THE GOOSE STORY


Next Autumn, when you see Geese
Heading South for the winter flying along in V formation
You might consider what we have discovered
As to Why they fly that Way.

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift
for the bird immediately following.

By flying in V formation
the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range,
than if each bird flew on its own.

PEOPLE WHO SHARE A COMMON DIRECTION
AND SENSE OF COMMUNITY
CAN GET WHERE THEY ARE GOING MORE QUICKLY AND EASILY
BECAUSE
THEY ARE TRAVELING ON THE THRUST OF ONE ANOTHER.

When a goose falls out of formation
it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying
to go it alone and quickly gets
back into formation to take advantage
of the lifting power of the bird in front.

IF WE HAVE AS MUCH SENSE AS A GOOSE
WE WILL STAY IN FORMATION WITH THOSE
WHO ARE HEADED THE SAME WAY AS WE ARE.

When the goose gets tired
it rotates back in the
wings and another goose flies point.

IT IS SENSIBLE TO TAKE TURNS DOING DEMANDING JOBS
WITH PEOPLE OR WITH GEESE FLYING SOUTH.

Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front
to keep up their speed.

WHAT DO WE SAY WHEN WE HONK FROM BEHIND?

Finally, and this is important, when a goose gets sick, or is
wounded by gunshots and falls out of formation, two other
Geese fall out with that Goose and
follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with
the fallen Goose until it is able to fly or until it dies and
only then do they launch out on their own or with
formation to catch up with their group.

IF WE HAVE THE SENSE OF A GOOSE
WE WILL STAND BY EACH OTHER LIKE THAT.


by Dr. Harry Clarke Noyes
ARCS NEWS, Vol. 7, No. 1, January 1992