Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-31481772-20170523042256

Everyone in the Riordan universe seems to stand for some motto. I feel that all those mottoes can be grouped into two major categories: yin and yang. The way I use these two terms, they are roughly related to Chinese philosophy.

1) Yin: Believing in creativity, freedom, appreciating beauty and diversity.

2) Yang: Believing in truth, duty, upholding honor and standing for unity.

These two philosophies appear to be opposite, but they are actually complementary. I believe that they both need to be present for balance. A person who can balance both these philosophies can attain great success. Now let me give some examples from the Riordan universe.

1) Camp Half-Blood seem to follow the yin philosophy, while Camp Jupiter follow the yang philosophy.

2) I believe Ouranos' reign was dominated by yin. When Ouranos seemed to become too whimsical, the Titans overthrew him. They promised a golden age. They seemed to favor yang, with strict government and a belief in honor and unity. When they became too harsh, they were overthrown by the Olympians.

3) Initially, the Olympians and the Greeks who worshiped them, favored a yin philosophy. Later, the Greeks grew too corrupt and chaotic. Then the entire Mediterranean was taken over by the yang-favoring Romans. They brought discipline and believed in truth, duty and honor.

4) Valhalla seem to lean towards yang, while Folkvanger lean towards yin.

[The real world seems to always have alternate ages of yin and yang. Currently, the real world seems to be dominated by yin, with yang making a comeback.]

What are your thoughts on these two philosophies?  