Sorry, not quite wrapping my mind around this one, probably too tired from a rough day. In any case, I think the center is the only thing which prevents the two extremes from killing each other. In the past, that space was occupied by God. I agree with your example of Big Pharma and herbalism working together to find the cure for the cold, and not giving a hoot who comes up with the cure. Whatever works. In Norway (where I used to spend a lot of time), they believed in pragmatism. i.e. find a workable solution and go with that. Perhaps this is what you are trying to illustrate? The results can be wonderful and meet needs you never really thought about, like the boot dryer that they came up with. BUT, people have to want to work together, and have to be willing to accept that solution no matter who it comes from. Sadly, if it is Big Pharma, there are loads of people who would reject it just based on that. Sad state of affairs, when people are so eager to cut off their own noses to spite their faces.