Thinking Nigeria (3): Equipoise in the face of clashing worldviews

Equipoise, a state of balance and equilibrium, is a coveted concept in various aspects of human life – from physical balance to mental harmony. Besides ‘balance’, and equilibrium’, other synonyms of equipoise include ‘symmetry’, stability’, and ‘poise.’ Furthermore, beyond its general meaning, the word also has specialised meanings in such disciplines as International Research and Medical Research.

In this respect, researchers Dewar, B., Chevrier, S., De Meulemeester, J., et al. in the March 18, 2023 edition of Trials 24,203 (2023) write that equipoise is ‘generally defined as uncertainty about the relative effects of the treatments being compared in a trial…’ We are however concerned here with the generally understood and used meaning of the word.

When it comes to the matter of worldview, equipoise can be a fleeting and contentious idea. For purpose of clarification, ‘worldview is used here as defined simply in Collins dictionary .com as ‘the way (individuals) see and understand the world, especially regarding issues such as politics, philosophy (of life), and religion’.

People are, paradoxically, similar and yet different in many ways. In the words of Mark van Doren, there are two statements about humans that are true: that all human beings are alike, and that all human beings are different. On these two facts, all human wisdom is founded.’  Deriving from this profound truth, occasional conflict of perception and opinion is inevitable among people.

If not managed with tolerance, respect for inalienable individual rights, and overall maturity by all concerned, conflict can aggravate to a destructive level. But if and where wisdom rules, differences in perspective can, like a mosaic, reveal the beauty of a variety of viewpoints.

My country, Nigeria, is literally, a conglomeration of ethnic nationalities, a mosaic of peoples, a tapestry of cultures, and inevitably, of world views. Nigeria is indeed a country of nations trying -yes trying- to live together within a ‘geographical expression’ or space.

I dare to posit that the many challenges to forge Nigeria into a nation of nations (and all the unquantifiable benefits derivable there from) requires, nay demands, a large dose of equipoise in the mind and heart of its people. I should think that a genuine striving for harmony in its fullest meaning by every citizen would displace the banes of rent-seeking, normalised deviance, and other ills that retard the progress of Nigerians and our country.

I maintain unequivocally that, in the face of our undeniably real clash of worldviews – and I hasten to note that Nigerians are not unique in this reality – in order to develop and progress, we need her and no, an attitude change for good.  Individually and collectively, we the people of this potentially great country must commit in our thought, word, and action to equipoise in every sense of it; this for our own sake and the sake of Nigeria, the only country we can confidently call our own.

The striving for equipoise among conflicting worldviews may therefore be described as both a conflict and a beauty – again a paradox. This is because it reflects the diversity of human thought and experience, as well as reveal the deep-seated and varied perceptions that shape our understanding of reality.

The beauty of equipoise lies, on the one hand, in its intrinsic ability to bring together disparate perspectives, fostering – or more correctly, harmonising – thereby, a rich tapestry of ideas and beliefs. The coexistence of various worldviews, each with its unique lens, enriches our understanding of the complexity of the human condition. It allows us to learn from one another, to adapt and to grow.

In this sense, equipoise is a celebration of unity in diversity, an acknowledgment that, like the elephant in John Godfrey Saxes’ poem ‘The Blind Men and the Elephant’ adapted from an Indian fable, truth is multifaceted and complex, but it is beautiful to behold.

On the other hand, the conflict inherent in equipoise arises when these world views clash, revealing fundamental differences in values, beliefs, and assumptions. This conflict is a manifestation of the human desire for certainty, security, and control. If tainted by arrogance and intolerance, it can lead to the marginalisation of opposing views and the suppression of dissenting voices. The struggle for dominance, validation, and understanding can lead to tension, hostility, and even violence. Consequently, equipoise is disrupted, balance is lost, and stability is threatened.

The effort to achieve equipoise among worldviews is exemplified in the debates between science and religion, liberalism and conservatism, nationalism and globalism. Each side seeks to assert its dominance, often at the expense of the other. The conflict is not only ideological but also emotional, as individuals passionately invest their identities, values, ego, and sense of purpose in defense of their respective worldviews.

The pursuit of equipoise is a worthwhile effort not the least for the peace of mind that it grants. A hopeful belief in a better future, exemplified by the’ Millennium Reign’’ in Christianity, can inspire and sustain the pursuit of equipoise. While this belief can bring comfort and resilience, it is difficult to say whether it can act as a counterbalance to the prevalent absence of justice and peace in the world effectively enough to constitute an equipoise.

In one sense, the belief in, and hope for, a better future can, by offering a promise of ultimate redemption and restoration, provide a sense of balance or equipoise in the face of current injustices. As English philosopher Alexander Pope puts it, ‘hope springs eternal in the human breast.’ And, because, in the considered view of 19th century archeologist and biologist John Lubbock, ‘it is certainly wrong to despair; [it stands to reason that] … if despair is wrong, hope is right’.

It is however, also important to acknowledge that the prevalent absence of justice and by extension peace in the world drive inequality, cause immense suffering that overwhelm large populations and devastate vast territories.

Perhaps we can think of it as a dynamic tension, whereby the belief in a future hope inspires us to strive for justice and peace in the present, even if we do not see it fully realised. Equipoise lies, therefore, in a continuous struggle for justice fueled by the hope of a better future, rather than a static but unstable balance between justice and the lack of it.

In the face of the various and relentless challenges that confront the individual and his world, it is essential to seek equipoise among conflicting worldviews. For example, by engaging in respectful dialogue, active listening, and open-minded inquiry, we can create a dynamic balance that acknowledges the validity of multiple perspectives. This equipoise is not a static state but a continuous process of negotiation, adaptation, and growth.

It bears repeating that the beauty and conflict of equipoise among worldviews reflect the complexities of human thought and experience. That reality is, as earlier stated, a paradox. But indeed, all profound truths are paradoxical.

While the pursuit of equipoise can be challenging, it is a necessary endeavor that fosters unity diversity, understanding, and growth. By embracing the beauty of equipoise, by working with an open mind through conflicting perspectives to issues, we can create a more inclusive, empathetic, and harmonious world.

This I unreservedly commend to my compatriots at home, and in the diaspora. May God use us to save and bless our country.

Megbolugbe, FRICS, Senior Advisor, GIVA International and retired Professor at Johns Hopkins University lives in the U.S.