Patterns & Metaphors
Walking
Template:
One foot is moved forward to a position at which it can bear the full weight of the body. The other foot is then brought forward, past the first, to a new position at which it can in turn bear the full weight of the body. The arms are moved in such a way as to act as a counterbalance. As a result of these movements the body can be moved forward at a constant pace. Although in places of difficulty the attention may be focused on the movement of one of the feet, normally attention is focused on the movement of the body as a whole.
Metaphor:
One policy may be promoted and implemented to bring society forward to a new position. Eventually however the momentum of this displacement requires another distinct policy to be brought into play to prevent loss of balance and to carry the society even further forward. During this latter phase the first policy must necessarily conserve the achievements made although the weight attached to this role is gradually phased out in anticipation of a reinterpretation of this policy to take the society even further forward. Whilst attention is clearly required on the formulation and implementation of each policy, particularly at points of crisis, the progress of society is best guided in terms of the movement as a whole to which both policies contribute, but for which neither is sufficient by itself.
[Features] The smooth transfer of weight from one foot to the other with each foot alternately bearing the weight and then giving it up to the other. The counterbalancing movement of each arm in harmony with the opposing leg. Progress is measured by the number of alternations made.
[[Contrast:]] The metaphor of ''walking on two legs'' has been used in China to describe a policy of technological dualism. The present attitude of policy advocates may be likened to the attempt to move forward with one foot only - whether it be the right or the left. This can only be achieved by hopping - provided balance can be maintained. Policies have to be relinquished in favour of an alternative and then renewed to fulfil a new role. This is also true of any ''alternative''.
[Keys] More legs (4-legged, 6-legged, etc. animals). Legless movement (serpentine). Learning to coordinate walking movements. Drunken or spastic lack of coordination. Limping, paralysis and other obstacles to free movement. Number of counteracting muscles required. Evolution of types of movement. Monkey movement through trees by swinging from the branches by the hands only.<
