Questions · Ultimate Questions
Is a relationship merely a connection established between two things afterward?
Direct answer
No. Sheng’s “Jian” (the between) is precisely meant to overturn the idea that “first there are two complete entities, and only later does a relationship happen between them.” The moment two ends divide apart, the “Jian” is there between them at the same time; that this end becomes this end also depends on the other end and on the difference between them. Therefore relationship is not a dispensable attachment, but participates in how each side becomes itself.
Further explanation
When you love someone, what is truly irreplaceable is not only the two objects “you” and “the other,” but also that something that exists only between the two of you. The same holds for environment and person: it is not that a fully closed-off you exists first and then goes to touch the outside world; you are always constituted within the “between” of you and the world.
Core concepts
Primary sources
Conclusions that must not be drawn
It must not be used to deny individual boundaries, nor must “Mutual Becoming” be used to rationalize control, dependence, or harm.
Related phrasings
Is relationship something that only arises later?What is the “between” between people?Does relationship participate in shaping both sides?
Natural phrasings of the same semantic domain, used for retrieval and understanding; the page does not pile up near-duplicate content.