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“Never interrupt the enemy when he is making a mistake.”
Napoleon Bonaparte
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Well.
This quote always reminds me of patience. I have always liked this quote.
So often we are in a rush to “do something” where patience is called for.
Napoleon’s strategies have been examined and torn apart by more expert analysis than I would be capable of doing, but I would say two things.
1. In general he selected great commanders of his armies and delegated initiative to respond.
2. His strength as a general was not in planning but responding. He put himself in situations. Waited. And responded. And won often.
This quote reminds me of patience and delegation.
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There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures. (IV.ii.269–276)
William Shakespeare
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I am not a big classic literature guy. I struggle to slog my way through things like the works of Shakespeare. But I truly appreciate the well articulated sound bite whenever it is written.
I love this one.
To me, it is a reminder that opportunities in life are fleeting, but there are many if you pay attention.
It is nice to remind yourself there are many opportunities ebbing and flowing in front of us (because then you stop dwelling on regrets). And I am not just opportunities to succeed or do things … but also to laugh and love and live. We should seek these tides and enjoy them rather than simply float aimlessly on some ocean of time.
Of course.
Some literary expert will probably tell me I completely missed the point. But. This is my website. And my thought on the quote.