Definition
Dichotomy: a division into two parts or kinds that are different from each other; two ideas that are opposites
Origin
Greek, dichotomia.
dicho--in two parts, in pairs
tomia--to cut
First recorded use in 1600-1610
Examples
1. Attempting to keep his students awake, the instructor injected humor into his lecture as he clarified the dichotomy between the social behavior of men and women.
2. The dichotomy between light and dark in Hawthorne's writing supports the antithesis of good and evil.
3. When Jane pointed out the dichotomy between their budget and their expenses, she drew a clear distinction between their values and their whimsical desires.
4. The continually diverging policies of the two political candidates revealed the stark dichotomy between the visions of their campaigns.
Although we normally think of dichotomy as a division between people and things, the truth is without these necessary opposites, we would not have the concomitant tool that is necessary to teach us how to make decisions, how to have choices, and how to live a balanced life.
Think of life without night and day, light and dark. Imagine only good or only evil. It's impossible because all of these contrasting elements complement each other. As much as we struggle with frustration over the most unusual Presidential election we have experienced in our lifetime, we still would not want to live in a country without a two-party system, no matter how wide the dichotomy.
The only way to live a life of harmony is to insure a life of balance, the balance of opposites.
This brings back memories to me, the first time I cam across the word was in a paper at work. I was twenty one and had just made a positive move in my career.
ReplyDeleteMy telephone number in those heady days was Mayfair 8801 so I thought I was in the right place. I had been placed in team of well educated folk with great experience, I knew I was going to learn a thing or two, something I was fortunate to continue to do in my career.
The word was used to define a choice i n philosophy in the future adoption of systems, the company had options of going down either of two paths. Of course the company had a myriad of choices, the future is never as simple as a fork in the road, however I learnt the lesson well.
If you want to get those above you to follow a path, and to gain influence with them, do not paint too much uncertainty into that scenario, give them just two options to act on your advice or not to.
Then a word that can be used, preeceding benefits or similar terms, on your proposed patth is concommitant.
Thanks for sharing, Ian. I always enjoy your insightful comments. And you're generally spot on. Except for Pride and Prejudice, of course. ;)
Delete