What is it? | What is mine? | What can I do?
What is complementarity?
Complementarity is a principle derived from physics,* in which two opposing descriptions of reality are each true, yet a fuller truth arises from considering them both. A classic example is light, which can be understood either as photon particles, or in terms of propagating waves—though these two approaches contradict each other! Somehow a fuller understanding of light requires both. Niels Bohr, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist who championed this principle, even designed his coat of arms based on the well-known yin-yang (taijitu) symbol of interacting opposites; the Latin motto translates as “Opposites are complementary.”
How might this apply to EcoTypes? The differences embedded in EcoTypes arise from our differing interactions with reality and can be a strength, if we are willing to engage with people whose EcoTypes differ from—indeed, may be the opposite of—ours. Engagement across difference is not easy! But it may be one of the most rewarding practical things you can do with EcoTypes; see the Going Deeper page (“What are some practical next steps I can take?”) for starter guidance.
This video offers you an overview of complementarity.
*Thanks to a student for recommending I add a far more familiar example: complementary colors, which similarly stand out as oppositional when placed next to each other—but form dull shades when one attempts to mix them. This reminds us that complementarity is not about finding some middle ground!
What is my complementary EcoType?
Your complementary EcoType is the one that differs from yours the most. It’s easy to identify your complementary EcoType: just go to your EcoTypes report, find your EcoTypes chart, and look for the sector opposite your dot (i.e., with theme domain signs that are the opposite of yours). Here are three examples, one from each theme domain:
- Place/Knowledge Ecotypes. Say your EcoType is Earth Spirit: it leans toward nonhuman Place and old Knowledge. So, your complementary Ecotype is in the opposite theme domain of human Place and new Knowledge: Technoprogress.
- Knowledge/Action EcoTypes. Say your EcoType is Radical Spirituality. It leans toward old Knowledge and big Action. So, your complementary EcoType leans toward new Knowledge and small Action: Incremental Progress.
- Action/Place EcoTypes. Say your EcoType is Social Justice. It leans toward big Action and human Place; so its complementary EcoType (leaning toward small Action and nonhuman Place) is Small Green Steps.
If you take a look at your complementary EcoType, you may say “I agree with that too.” It’s good to find ways to agree with others! But try to look for the important differences with your complementary EcoType as well: according to complementarity, we can achieve fuller environmental truths by better appreciating difference and disagreement.
What can I do to better appreciate complementarity?
If you’ve taken the EcoTypes survey and would like to better appreciate complementarity, here are some things you can do!:
- The followup MCJD form gives you an opportunity to compare your EcoType and your complementary EcoType. This option involves a good deal of thinking, and some writing, to better understand your survey results, and to consider MCJD (many care, just differently) in the context of you and your complementary EcoType.
- There is also an AI-based dialogue opportunity! You’ll input your survey entry key as above, then receive a script you can use with an AI platform of your choice. This option puts you in a genuine, text-based back-and-forth with an AI agent trained to be your complementary EcoType.
- Finally, the forthcoming EcoTypes book will offer a much fuller treatment of complementarity…stay tuned for more information on its expected release date.