Tacking

In a wind-powered yacht where it is necessary to travel against the wind (namely in the general direction from which the wind is coming) a tacking technique must be employed. This involves first travelling some distance with the wind on the right-hand side in a direction at a considerable angle (say 45 degrees) to that of the direction desired. Then the direction of travel is switched so that the wind is on the left-hand side again at an angle (say 45 degrees) to that of the direction desired. The boat thus advances in the desired direction by alternating repeatedly between two directions of travel which are 'off-course' in a complementary manner. An analogous technique is used for routes up a mountain which wind in relation to the direction desired, as is the case with skiing down a steep hill.

This suggests that there may be circumstances in which it is not possible to achieve social development using a single policy. It may be necessary to alternate repeatedly between two (or more) policies which move society in complementary undesirable directions.

The explicit manner in which the vehicle uses the energy acting in a direction opposed to that in which the vehicle moves.

This technique is not explicitly used although the conflicting directions between which social groups stumble may be seen as indicating an unconscious use of an analogous procedure.

How 'close to the wind' it is possible to sail. Balance and the keel. Moving against an entropic force.