In Western philosophy maxims cannot be contradictory. There is an assumption that the I or the ego is simple, or that it has a last (also simple) instance. Dialectic thought has expanded the space of reflection, but it equally finds contradiction problematic. There is the need for a third stage (Aufhebung), in which opposed terms become moments of a wider concept. Contradictions show moments of the same subject, at the same time and level, with a symmetric structure. Zen tradition developed short stories aimed at enlightenment called koans. These are stories with paradoxical morale. One finds at least two lessons, which correspond to different levels of truth. This is the so-called conventional truth and the deep truth. Now, the latter is completely empty without the former. Here is a famous example: “Act as if the future of the world depends on what you do, while laughing at yourself for thinking you can make a difference.”. Action should be taken seriously. This constitutes an imperative: act as if everything depended on your current actions. Action can have big consequences, even a smallest one. However, this maxim burdens the individuum with an unbearable weight. It is also false that our actions can have always such a repercussion. There is a need to distance from the maxim without ceasing to follow it. This is where humor supplements seriousness: laugh at yourself while following the maxim. We are free to choose which is conventional and which deep truth.
Arturo Romero Contreras Profesor Investigador en Filosofía BUAP/ Professor Researcher in Philosophy BUAP, Mexico