Tension vs. hardness: held or one-sided

The standard

The held oppositeness distinguishes whether two elements keep each other in balance or one outweighs the rest.

Criteria

  • In tension the opposites carry each other
  • In hardness one element outweighs the rest
  • Tension feels enlivening, hardness rigid
  • The difference is relational, not a matter of quantity

Distinction

Tension ≠ hardness: tension is an equilibrium of forces, hardness their imbalance. Tension ≠ balance: balance is a resting equilibrium, whereas held oppositeness describes an active pull between the poles.