On W+T=Z
By Meng Liangyu
Is there a formula that can explain most phenomena in the world? I propose one here called W+T=Z. Let me elaborate in the following sections. There may be unclear or incorrect points, and I welcome everyone’s corrections.
First, let’s talk about W, which refers to the state of the system itself. For example, when Xiao Zhang plays with Xiao Hong, Xiao Zhang is W (though from Xiao Hong’s perspective, Xiao Zhang is T). The perspectives of W and T are interchangeable and exist in dialectical unity.
T: The environment and external influences. Everything that stands in dialectical unity with the system itself is T.
+: The process of interaction between W and T. This process is indispensable and inevitable.
Z: The new state after the process concludes. Why say it this way? Because a major entity contains many smaller entities, and a single instance of W+T=Z often cannot fully encompass all of them (though it may cover some).
Having explained the definitions, let me now discuss another article of mine, “On Three Impressions.”
· The first impression refers to the almost purely perceptual, non-reflective reaction a person has when first encountering something.
· The second impression refers to the incomplete or erroneous thinking about something that has already entered one’s mind.
· The third impression refers to the highest level of reflection in the mind, where understanding of the thing has reached a very mature state (I abbreviate these as I1, I2, I3).
The reason I mention this seemingly unrelated article here is that W+T=Z can analyze relationships between people and between people and things. Since human thinking constantly evolves when encountering new things, this framework can be applied in the article.
Let’s take a romantic relationship as an example (assuming a man and a woman have just met). Initially, both are at I1—reserved and cautious because they’ve just met:
WI1 + TI1 = ZI1.
Later, one might say or do something wrong,