[grasshopperpurp]

Yes, art works this way, too. Everything is a reaction to a reaction. We're constantly trying to find balance - rarely achieving it on an individual level, likely never achieving it on a societal level.

*perfect balance

[gt_]

I agree. I just feel like elaborating on my understanding of this.

And, as in art, success requires a mix of past combined with strategic changes to what is understood of the current contextual state, which is dependent on individual conscience for accuracy, or enlightenment. Societies do not have a conscience beyond the sum of individuals who influence it’s character. Once they become influential, they establish behaviors that resemble ‘lack of conscience’ as a norm. Although individuals acknowledge the narcissistic norms, gaining influence requires conformity with them. It takes a keen and educated bunch to break the trend, hence an Enlightenment.