Despite our natural infatuation with novelty, stability remains the basis on which novelty compares. The marvels of the most innovative technologies are based on the mastery of the principles on which they are founded, which themselves do not change. The laws of physics work today, and will work tomorrow.
In the world of pedagogy, such stable principles are unfortunately still unknown. Pedagogical currents follow each other like waves on the shores of our schools. At least we can be sure that without a teacher, the lesson won't be given, and that without principles, there's no science... If the principle is stable, the prediction becomes sure and falls into the realm of planning. The timing of the start of the school year is almost as predictable as the arrival of autumn, but the composition of a class is as random as a lunar eclipse, albeit predictable, with the difference that we have the choice of the principles that will be applied: homogeneity, integration or performance?
On the political side, stability is sought after, but is far from a guarantee of prosperity, as it often turns into stagnation. A society that maintains a balance between different flows is more likely to remain stable in a world that is no longer stable. Stability has a dynamic component, otherwise stagnation sets in.
An individual or organization is said to be balanced when it can cope with all kinds of situations without being destabilized. Its stability depends on its ability to remain in balance, to choose the best solutions. Stability is a capacity that can be developed. Starting with attention, which some people find particularly unstable, or with agriculture, which has become fragile and capricious through the loss of diversity.
Relative stability is essential to create an effect. Without a stator, the rotor produces nothing, no electricity. How can we develop dynamic stability, ensure its balance, teach it, embody it, both physically and intellectually, in individuals as well as in organizations and institutions? This issue examines this question.
Denys Lamontagne
Illustration: Prawny - Pixabay
