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The peril of the hour moved the British to tremendous exertions, just as always in a moment of extreme danger things can be done which had previously been thought impossible. Mortal danger is an effective antidote for fixed ideas.
Erwin Rommel
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Interpretation

What this quote means

In times of extreme threat, people can achieve what once seemed unachievable.

This quote by Erwin Rommel emphasizes that during moments of dire crisis, individuals and groups often surpass their perceived limitations and accomplish extraordinary feats. The pressure of mortal danger can lead to innovation and new ways of thinking, breaking free from previously held constraints and enabling significant action where it was once thought impossible.

Themes

DangerExertionsInnovationFixed IdeasCourage

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can inspire a team during a crisis, encouraging them to think outside the box.

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It is often possible to decide the issue of a battle merely by making an unexpected shift of one's main weight.
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One must not judge everyone in the world by his qualities as a soldier: otherwise we should have no civilization.
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War makes extremely heavy demands on the soldier's strength and nerves. For this reason, make heavy demands on your men in peacetime exercises.
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Sweat saves blood, blood saves lives, but brains saves both.
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Be an example to your men, in your duty and in private life. Never spare yourself, and let the troops see that you don't in your endurance of fatigue and privation. Always be tactful and well-mannered and teach your subordinates to do the same. Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide.
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