I’ve just been reading a book on Buddhism (A Very Short Introduction by Damien Keown, Oxford University Press) and it occurs to me that there’s potentially a scenario matrix lurking inside the thoughts therein. For example, one axis might be a tension between ‘me and mine’ (an especially Western, free-market obsession) and whatever its opposite might be. The second axis could then be the tension between new and novel (the endless process of craving and gratification) and its opposite which perhaps has something to do with contentment, compassion, and a refined and subtle awareness of the present (a move away from the hustle and bustle and endless busyness of everyday life towards more of a detachment in which people ponder the nature of more fulfilling ways to live).

Many years ago (15 years at least) I created a matrix that pitched me/we against optimism/pessimism. Maybe a new twist might be the below. This is full of holes, but perhaps someone can improve it?