Evolution

Similarly, successful evolution requires a harmonic balance between the "and" and the "or." It is through random genetic mutations, a type of individuation encompassed within the "or", that a species adapts to adverse conditions.  A sufficient rate of genetic mutation is necessary to ensure the survival of a species. A successful mutation, however, is genetically worthless if the carriers of this mutation do not reproduce.  And of course, reproduction is the prototypical manifestation of the "and", as it usually requires the coming together of two individuals during sex, and the resulting production of new individuals.   However, Darwin teaches that over time, a species will evolve to the point that it is no longer recognizable and a new species is created.  This individuation, once again, is a manifestation of the "or".  The propagation of the species (the and) thus results in further individuation (the or).    Thus, as is the case with the mental health of the individual, the health of a species requires a balancing of the "and" and "or".  We also see how the "and" and "or" are so dependent upon one another.   Without sufficient reproduction ("and"), there cannot be a sufficient number of mutations (individuation or the "or") to guarantee the species' ability to overcome adverse conditions.  Without this individuation, future reproduction cannot take place.  In addition to seeing this balance and this interdependence of the "and" and "or", we also see an "and"-"or" cycle taking shape before our eyes.  As is the case with the chicken and the egg, we can't be sure what, if anything, comes first during evolution, the "and" or the "or".  However we see the "and" in the form of reproduction, followed by the or, in the form of genetic mutations or variation, followed by the and of reproduction, resulting in the propagation of the species, and the creation of a new species (the or) , and and so on.  This "and"-"or" cycle will manifest itself for as long as life exists.
This balance repeats itself on a macro level.  Evolution teaches that the preservation of life requires a certain degree of diversity.  The greater the number of species, the greater the chance that one (or some) will be able to withstand adverse conditions.  Thus, a healthy degree of the "or" is needed to preserve life.   Generally, until recently, the "or" has successfully prevented a predominance of the "and", in terms of one species reproducing in excess and depleting earth's limited resources.   The exponentially expanding population of the human species and the increased rate of extinction of others risks destroying the balance between the "and" and the "or", which, in the end, will not work to the "and"'s benefit.  As all animals are dependent on other life forms to survive (by eating them), the diminishment of other life forms will result in a decrease in the food supply, starvation and disease, and ironically, a diminishment of the "and".  Thus, the existence of life gravitates towards a balance, at least on a macro level, between the "and" and the "or".