I draw significant inspiration from Taoism and the concept of yin and yang, which highlight the inseparable relationship between opposing forces in life. This philosophy underscores how we cannot fully comprehend light without darkness, love without hate, and other such dualities. As I delve into explaining the concept of the "Interconnected Model of Well-Being" that I have developed, a recent acquisition, a vintage scale, has offered me a profound insight. This insight stems from recognizing how we have subconsciously internalized measurement systems throughout our lives.
The Imperial system, utilized in present-day America, traces its origins back to the 15th-century medieval era. Conversely, the metric system was formally introduced in France during 1795 with the intention of establishing a universal measurement framework. Preceding these systems, various cultures relied on their distinct measurement methods. Personally, being the daughter of Vietnamese parents whose lives were closely tied to the land, I recall employing body parts as units of measure. A prime example was using the first segment of the index finger to gauge the appropriate water quantity for cooking rice.
This led me to ponder the implications of the Imperial and metric systems, designed to facilitate cross-cultural communication. However, this standardization came with unintended consequences. Our perceptions and understanding of the world are fundamentally molded by the tools and languages we employ. While the Imperial system and metric system seemingly provide definitive measurements, they often lack genuine significance and context.
For instance, you might confidently assert that you understand what a 10-lb weight feels like. Yet, consider this: what if I were to mention a weight of 10-kgs? For someone unacquainted with the metric system, comprehending 10-kgs might prove challenging. This highlights how language plays a role in identifying weight, but it doesn't inherently convey meaning. A 10-lb box held by an individual weighing 30 lbs has a different significance compared to the same box held by someone weighing 150-lbs.
By embracing the standardized units of the metric system, we inadvertently overlook the essence of the vintage scale, where weight derives meaning only through comparison. This mirrors the essence of yin and yang – the necessity of balance and the interconnectedness of contrasting elements.