Article April 22, 1972 Issue

Consistency Solves Problems

RAYMOND JACKSON ALLEN

Focusing attention on solving an immediate problem has the advantage of utilizing our resources most efficiently. Specific work often succeeds, whereas an attack on the problem from a more general standpoint may fail.

However, there is danger in too much concentration on a specific objective. It may cause us to be unaware of other factors that have a bearing on the situation. This is illustrated in battlefield strategy that may go awry because a general is so intent on a certain action that he neglects to protect his flanks and so is forced to retreat.

In everyday experience an even more important point is that our thinking and acting cannot be completely compartmentalized. Each of our activities has a way of spilling over into the others. Our lives are all of a piece, and so we must be consistent if we are to be successful.

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