How can two different truths exist at the same time?

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.”

The world is filled with tensions. Things exist in states of dualities — or opposing forces.

As Texas sage Roy H. Williams points out, “Freedom and responsibility are two good things that we must often choose between. Likewise, a tension exists between justice and mercy.”

He says, “The next time you see two antagonistic groups throwing word-grenades at each other, peer beneath the emotional language and you’ll notice that one group believes in freedom while the other group believes in responsibility. Or one side is pushing for justice while the other side pushes for mercy.”

There are deeper truths in our words.

The next time you sit down to write explore:

(1) What core beliefs underscore your case for giving or action?
(2) What truths do your supporters hold dear?
(3) Is your case for giving/action aligned with the truths your supporters share?
(4) What other truths might exist in the minds of your opponents? What other truths might exist in the minds of colleagues who challenge you?  Is there a way to frame your case for giving or action to adapt to opposing truths? Is there a need to adapt?

Roy ends his post with this quote from Nobel Prize-winning physicist Niels Bohr, “The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth.”

In the words of Keanu Reeves, “Woah….”