The Art of Living in Contradictions (And Why They Are Key to Clarity and Creativity)
Box Cutter Co. Free Issue No. 76
We humans are walking paradoxes... dancing contradictions.
It's not a flaw—it’s a feature…
… as contradictions aren’t failures or a problem.
They’re opportunities to examine gaps between what we value and how we choose—and then act.
Contradictions reveal complexity, uncertainty, discomfort, and nuance.
Some of the most innovative breakthroughs happen because contradictions force us to wrestle with opposing truths or conflicting realities.
At an AI Symposium This Week
I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit this past week — especially after attending a symposium on the future of AI in British Columbia, Canada.
It was an invite-only event. Multiple sectors participated, exploring questions related to the future and implications of AI. The event was intended not as a ‘technical’ forum but as an exploration of social and cultural implications.
I was struck by many of the contradictions I heard and observed. For example, some folks expressed fear and distrust in AI but then hopped on their smartphones as others spoke.
In the opening welcome to the event, one First Nation leader expressed excitement about the possibilities of AI supporting language recovery and expansion for his young family.
In another session, an Indigenous language teacher expressed fears surrounding AI use and things like cultural appropriation and language loss — and benefits only accrued by Big Tech companies.
None of these perspectives is right or wrong. It all depends on context, intention, and many other factors. Contradictions are everywhere and they can be powerful and great fuel for creativity and authenticity.
Contradictions Are Everywhere (And That’s Okay)
We criticize Big Tech but spend hours on our smartphones.
We demand privacy yet share all details of our daily lives on social media and various devices. (Most devices are listening to your daily life)
We question capitalism while eagerly waiting for our online orders to arrive.
Climate change activists and scientists fly globally to major conferences and events.
It’s complicated, it’s messy, AND it’s human.
Contradictions aren’t flaws. They’re opportunities—chances to grow, innovate, and gain clarity when we face them head-on.
Contradictions Shape Our Choices and Actions
Contradictions don’t just exist in individuals — they also shape society.
These tensions drive some of the most prominent debates about technology, the environment, and fairness. For example:
Technology: Many love the convenience of AI but worry about its ethics and energy implications.
Sustainability: Many demand climate action but find it hard to change our habits and addiction to convenience.
Fairness: We push for equality but hesitate to challenge systems that maintain inequality.
These contradictions reveal the gap between what we value and how we act.
Instead of ignoring them, we can use them to think deeper, ask more strategic questions, and drive to make better reflective decisions.
Reflection vs. Action: Finding the Balance
One of our most significant personal contradictions is between reflection (thinking about the world) and action (choosing and changing it).
If we reflect too much, we risk doing nothing. If we act without thinking, we risk creating chaos. Real change happens in the spaces between these tensions.
In the Creator Economy, this tension is everywhere. Writers, artists, and entrepreneurs constantly juggle:
Thinking about what matters to them balanced against what matters to their audience, subscribers, readers, etc.
Acting quickly to create and share in a fast-moving digital world, yet balancing against genuine authenticity and meaningful, creative work.
The goal isn’t to pick one over the other. It’s to find a way to bring both together—to reflect enough to act purposefully, with clear intention and to keep creating and growing.
Islands of Knowledge in a Sea of Ignorance
Each of us has our own ‘islands of knowledge’ surrounded by a vast ‘sea of ignorance.’
We’re experts in some things and clueless about others. In the Creator Economy, this can look like:
Knowing how to write solid content but struggling to turn it into revenue
Being a great people connector on one platform but feeling lost on others
Contradictions show up when our islands of knowledge meet the unknown.
Instead of shrinking back, these moments can push us to grow and learn more. They can also fuel authenticity and creativity.
Values As Guides Through the Chaos
Contradictions are everywhere, but values give you direction.
Without values, contradictions are just noise. With them, they can help you focus and make meaningful choices.
Here are three steps to use contradictions to your advantage:
Know Your Principles. What matters most to you? Write it down. These principles will guide you when things get messy, whether it’s authenticity, creativity, or honesty.
Ask Better Questions. When you face a contradiction, dig deeper:
What does this tension tell me about my values? About others’?
How can I act in ways aligned with what matters to me?
What compromises am I willing to make?
Act with Purpose. Use contradictions to make better decisions:
If you’re torn between creating for yourself or for others, think about what feels true to your values and act on it.
If you’re struggling with the demands of The Creator Economy, decide what’s worth your energy and set boundaries.
Contradictions Can Shape You (If You Let Them)
The Creator Economy—like life, society, and everything else—is full of contradictions:
between speed and thoughtfulness
independence and collaboration
creativity and money
These tensions show us where we may be out of alignment or ignorant. Some folks refer to this as an “ignorance tax.” (It’s not a bad thing to identify.)
Contradictions challenge us to live and work in ways that reflect more of who we are, our values, and our authentic selves (which are often fluid and on the move).
The next time you notice contradictions in your work or life, don’t ignore them. Pause. Ask yourself what it might be teaching you — or could teach you.
Consider letting it guide you toward decisions with deeper meaning.
Because contradictions aren’t just something to deal with. They’re a way to grow, be more creative, more reflective, and be far more intentional in choices and actions.
How About You?
Where do you notice contradictions shaping your work or choices?
How are they challenging your values and actions?
That’s it for this issue. Like what you read? Drop a ❤️, comment, and/or repost to Notes.
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The next issue of Box Cutter Co. and The Soulpreneur Series will be out shortly.