The Paradox Pool

It is said that exceptions prove the rule.
So naturally, I am always in search of that elusive exception that makes the (opposite) point about the rule. :-)
Another guilty pleasure of mine.

A paradox, however is to a concept what an exception is to a rule.
Paradoxes fascinate me in a way that I doubt is normal, but my little deviance aside, I think the SMP is a haven for paradox-seekers like me.

In fact, on this very blog, I noticed a time when not a day went by without someone pulling a paradox out of the bag. It was astounding as to their frequency.

What I find particularly intriguing about a paradox is that it turns a complicated issue on its head and suddenly makes it extremely simple.

In the SMP, everything and nothing is complicated. Much like life itself, it has no meaning unless a meaning of it is sought.



In the post about 'masculine women', the oxymoron was not lost on me, but it was absolutely apt to describe certain very feminine women this way. Women thus described may not see this description of them as a compliment, but in fact, it is.

The paradox here is that optimal femininity requires some strongly masculine qualities. It is up to individual women to pick which masculine qualities suit their particular brand of femininity, of course. But the principle is a sound one, I think.

A familiar paradox to most of us would be, 'To be happy, one must be fully prepared to be...unhappy'.

This is definitely one paradox I have never really understood. But I am at least pondering it, which is arguably a step in the right direction.

If at least two-thirds of marriages collapse because one party is nothing more than unhappy, then we need to circumnavigate the goal-posts of 'happy' somehow, no?

How do we define 'happy'?
I refuse to look in the dictionary for this one. :-)
Part of the reason for this is...I wonder if the right word is being used in this context?

Would 'content' be a better word?
Would 'satisfied' do?

Some (wise) people define 'love' as a verb and not a noun.
Perhaps 'happy' should also be a verb and not an adjective?
As in, on waking up we make a concerted effort to 'happify' ourselves whatever the subsequent outcome of the day?


I wonder if this is feasible on a consistent basis...

Another important paradox I have come across is this one:

'In order to win, one must lose.'

Similar in principle to the biblical, 'The first shall be the last', this one is directly applicable to all aspects of life.

In order to enjoy harmonious relationships with others, one must be selfless.
In order to achieve the fulfilment of goals and dreams, one must demonstrate and exert self-control.
In order to gain it all, one must be prepared to lose it all.

These last two are especially important for women, I think.

The interpretation of a paradox is very much open. So, in this sense, it can get very simple.
Because it is essentially a case of 'one can make it whatever one wants it to be'.

Which is a great way to simplify life. :-)



There must be SMP-specific paradoxes out there. Anyone care to remind me?