Our economic models were our crutches, said one of the contributors to last night’s Analysis programme The Economist's New Clothes.
It is possible to come to rely on a crutch long after the need for it has passed. It may even be doing you more harm than good, as I have found out over these past several months having decided to dispense with the walking stick except for those times when I cannot even stand without it.
It was not doing my shoulder any good, & I think it probably was not even helping my back. It was just fear that made me carry it – fear of suddenly not being able to get on without it, fear of not being able to keep my feet in a strong wind, etc, etc, etc
Without it I walk straighter & taller.
And, if there is a sudden awkward problem such as steps to go down, I have learned to just ask for help.
It should not have come as a surprise, but young (or youngish) men are particularly considerate & concerned – if you ask.
So the moral for economists is ….
