The Arrow of Society Flies One Way

Consider the arrow as a metaphor for society. The arrow of society travels forward through time aiming for a target that is decided upon by the collective decisions of the individuals that make up the arrow.
Now consider the parts of the arrow. At the front is the arrow point, consisting of the progressive element of society. They are the cutting edge, slicing their way through barriers, leading the way to new horizons. However, this involves risks, this leading into the unknown. Those pointy headed intellectuals often as not slice their fingers on that cutting edge, maybe even shoot themselves in the foot. The arrow cannot depend on them alone.
Which brings us to the other end of the arrow. The feathers of conservatism. They can be a real drag, those downy white wisps of wisdom. Slowing things down, holding society back, always resisting change. Yet by that very resistance, they keep the arrow on the straight and narrow, on target, preventing it from spinning out of control amidst the winds of change.
And lastly, there is the shaft of the moderate majority. Often as not they are shafted by either extreme, being largely inert. Yet they provide the mass of the arrow that presses home to the target. They push the progressive point ever forward, sliding into the new space already pierced by that point. They pull the conservative feathers after them, the last to reach that formerly new space.
Each elenent by itself is a disaster, but together they form a whole capable of moving forward into the future with strength and consistency.