By Richard Evans (Financial Times), Los Angeles Times -- The modern world is an ever-changing mass of contradictions. Reconciling them is fundamental to success, whether in business or in life. As F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote: "The ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function is the sign of a first-rate intelligence." His comment is cited by Roger Martin, author of "The Opposable Mind: How Successful Leaders Win Through Integrative Thinking."