Equal and Opposite: Balance and Order

Newton’s Third Law of Motion states: ‘For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.’ Forces acting on different objects come in pairs. They’re always equal in size but opposite in direction. It’s a tidy law of balance and order.

The ancient Chinese philosophical principal of yin and yang speaks of cosmic principles or forces that are opposite but complementary. They interact, interconnect and support each other. Both parts are equal and essential for balance and order.

I’m reading Dodie Smith’s ‘The Hundred and One Dalmatians’. Writing with humour and understanding from the dogs’ point of view, she describes how the dogs put the humans on leashes and take them for a walk in the park.

It’s the same action from a different perspective. The human-action, dog-reaction becomes dog-action, human-reaction. Equal and opposite. Balance and order.

On Saturday, at our monthly Men’s Shed committee meeting we discussed activities in our workshop. Some gents are relaxed: we’re adults who can use tools and operate machines informally and responsibly. Others want strict adherence to health and safety requirements, with dire consequences for those who don’t stick to the rules.  

In a robust discussion action and opposite reaction wasn’t always equal. Perhaps the compromise we arrived at does bring some balance and order.

Yesterday we attended a funeral. There was sadness and grief, bereavement and loss, thanks for a life well-lived, reflection on the mysteries of the spiritual nature of life and death. I wondered… action balanced by equal and opposite reaction?

I’ve had several conversations recently, friends despairing about the state of our country, the state of the world… war and needless death, power and corruption, actions and reactions. Bad people say they’re good, good people turn bad, bad people get worse… Opposite forces aren’t equal.  

Returning to my faith I have hope. I’m reassured. The forces of love, joy and peace are stronger than hatred, despair, and fear. Light is stronger than darkness, life is stronger than death. Opposite forces aren’t equal; balance and order is restored.