Science, Strategy and War The Strategic Theory of ... - Boekje Pienter

Theme for vitality and growthBoyd is still not satisfied because the destructive element is not sufficiently balanced by anawareness of the importance of a constructive element for national survival. In a slide withfull prose Boyd asserts that ‘up to this point – by repeatedly adding, stripping-away, andrecombining many different, yet similar, ideas and thoughts – we have examined the natureof conflict, survival, and conquest in many different ways. A review and further manipulationof the ideas and thoughts that make-up these different ways suggest that, for success overthe long whole and under the most difficult conditions, one needs some unifying vision thatcan be used to attract the uncommitted as well as pump-up friendly resolve and drive anddrain-away or subvert adversary resolve and drive. In other words, what is needed is a visionrooted in human nature so noble, so attractive that it not only attracts the uncommitted andmagnifies the spirit and strength of its adherents, but also undermines the dedication anddetermination of any competitors or adversaries. Moreover, such a unifying notion should beso compelling that it acts as a catalyst or beacon around which to evolve those qualities thatpermit a collective entity or organic whole to improve its stature in the scheme of things. Putanother way, we are suggesting a need for a supra-orientation or center-of-gravity thatpermits leaders, and other authorities, to inspire their followers and members toenthusiastically take action toward confronting and conquering all obstacles that stand in theway’ 128 .Enclosed in this section Boyd again, but now from yet another angle and now at thesocietal level, looks for and finds elements that foster initiative and harmony, two amongfour vital elements for survival he already introduced on page 12 of the presentation. Thethemes he regards as vital for success are conceptually quite similar. For instance, Boyd seesa unifying vision as yet another way to achieve implicit control. Indeed, Boyd comes fullcircle in his formulation of the:Theme for Vitality and GrowthIngredients Needed to Pursue VisionUnifying VisionA grand ideal, overarching theme, ornoble philosophy, that represents acoherent paradigm within whichindividuals as well as societies can shapeand adapt to unfolding circumstances –yet offers a way to expose flaws ofcompeting or adversary systems.InsightAbility to peer into and discern the inner nature orworkings of things.InitiativeInternal drive to think and take action without beginurged.AdaptabilityPower to adjust or change in order to cope with new orunforeseen circumstances.HarmonyPower to perceive or create interaction of apparentlydisconnected events or entities in a connected way.AimImprove fitness as an organic whole to shape and expand influence or power over the course of events inthe world128 Ibid, p.143.225