Deterioration in Sustainable Dialogue

Metaphors: Stripping away / Eliminating the outmoded / Splitting apart (Po #23)

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Social Under certain conditions of society inferior values may predominate. A dialogue of superior values is wise to accept this phase of events calmly rather than vainly attempting to counteract it.

Sub-conditions:

1. Those of inferior values may initiate schemes to undermine the position of the dialogue by intriguing against its supporters. (Resulting in: Support).

2. The dialogue, isolated by the initiatives of those of inferior values, may be destroyed unless it can rapidly adjust its position. (Resulting in: Inexperience).

3. Provided it is able to enhance the expression of its superior values, the dialogue may disassociate itself from those of inferior values, who will then oppose it actively. (Resulting in: Inaction).

4. Events can deteriorate to the point at which the dialogue is unable to avoid misfortune. (Resulting in: Progress).

5. Those of inferior values may be attracted by the superior values of the dialogue and voluntarily accept its guidance. (Resulting in: Recognition).

6. As support for the dialogue increases, the strategies of those of inferior values become progressively more self-destructive. (Resulting in: Receptivity).

Transformation sequence Deterioration cannot continue indefinitely, thus recovery finally commences. (Resulting in: Recovery).

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Earlier version in 2nd edition of Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential (1986).