balance.

"The Balance is the even distribution of Light and Dark. Its essence is most significant to Sanctuary, but it goes beyond, to all of creation. A world where Dark rules would burn itself up. A world where Light commands would eventually stagnate. If either gained enough control of Sanctuary so that the other could not match it again, then that would be the end of all
things…"

- p. 130, Diablo: Scales of the Serpent by Richard Knaak

i know that it's from a work of fiction, but when you think about it, it is applicable in the real world.

as cruel as it may sound, it is impossible for everyone to be happy, to live a good life; someone will always have to wallow in poverty for others to prosper.

if everyone was happy, few would strive for change; if things stop changing, they might as well be dead.

societies that become too comfortable and jaded in their might and prosperity will sooner or later decay in more ways than one.

and it keeps on going on like that...