Last of all, we come to the factor of stability. There is a short term stability and long term stability. Short term stability is the result of homogeneity. Heterogeneity of elements (as opposed to heterogeneity of the ideal) is desirable for group-evolution and long term stability. Firstly, heterogeneity acts as a self-corrective to any individual errors. Secondly, since the same objective is being approached differently by different people, the scope for achievement and fulfilment is greater, though initially slower. Thirdly, heterogeneity is always evolutionary as it aids the perspective, helping individuals to look at the same thing differently as well as providing alternative strategies. That is why the Indian nation has remained stable despite many onslaughts. This is because of a clear national ideal and diversity of its elements.
Conclusion
These then are a few of the principles that govern group-psychology, its growth and decline. The signs of decline are a growing distrust, mutual and conflicting interests, disharmony and ruptures. These too are sometimes necessary as pointers to what has gone wrong. One can then use the experience of growth as long as the faith, vision, an inner strength to recover, as well as an adherence to the central truth is there. It is not always immediate success that is the yardstick of true success. For success depends as much on the strength of the truth-spirit as on the fidelity of its members. Failures too can be enriching. For they teach the final lesson that one must know how to renounce an immediate success for a greater future. One must know how to forego short-term interests for long-term goals. And one must know that if the direction be kept in view, then sooner or later one will reach the goal. A halt can only then be an avoidable delay, not an end to the task undertaken by our souls.
