A thermodynamic depiction of four positions of a bound state entity, e.g. ball or bound couple, on an energy surface (Gibbs surface or Gibbs landscape for couple), wherein the “metastable” position is a local low-energy well (left valley) and the only “stable” position is the lowest possible energy configuration (right valley). (Ѻ)

“Societies have been compared in this book with solids, liquids, and gases. A highly disciplined society observing the desired norms and following the same set of laws is suggested to be like a crystal whose constituent atoms or ions are placed at fixed points and they are at the most stable energy level. These societies are to be found in posh urban localities. Societies putting less emphasis on the rule of law, abounding in exception and being indifferent to many of the norms, are like liquids which have no shape of their own but assume that of their container. Energetically they are metastable and are at a slightly higher level compared with solids. Then there are societies with very few norms, they have a behavior pattern similar to gases which also have no shape of their own. They can get aggregated into liquids on condensation. Their atoms or molecules are irregularly placed and or loosely held without cohesive force. This is analogous to the random placement of houses and or huts in slums. The title cover [adjacent] depicts just these three kinds of societies.”

“It may have all of the appearance of stability, but the violence of the forces in balance are such that, should there be a single slip, a momentary imbalance, an ill-considered comment or careless act, that stability shatters into disaster.”