...that latest addition to the armory of the Establishment, the economic index. A remarkably simple thing in itself, a mere number in fact, yet one that is treated with unabashed reverence. Apparently one has but to consult it to comprehend the entire condition of society. Among the faithful, and they are legion, any doubt that, say, a four percent growth rate, as revealed by the index, is better for the nation than a three percent growth rate is near-heresy; is tantamount to a doubt that four is greater than three.