It is often possible to decide the issue of a battle merely by making an unexpected shift of one's main weight.
Erwin RommelRead
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.
Interpretation
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.
In practice
This quote can inspire a team during a crisis, encouraging them to think outside the box.
It is often possible to decide the issue of a battle merely by making an unexpected shift of one's main weight.
One must not judge everyone in the world by his qualities as a soldier: otherwise we should have no civilization.
The commander must be at constant pains to keep his troops abreast of all the latest tactical experience and developments, and must insist on their practical application. He must see to it that his subordinates are trained in accordance with the latest requirements. The best form of welfare for the troops is first-class training, for this saves unnecessary casualties.
War makes extremely heavy demands on the soldier's strength and nerves. For this reason, make heavy demands on your men in peacetime exercises.
Sweat saves blood, blood saves lives, but brains saves both.
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.
Real men despise battle, but will never run from it.
Here stands a girl clutching a knife. There is grease on the stove, blood in the air, and angry words piled in the corners. We are trained not to see it, not to see any of it. . . . Someone just ripped off my eyelids.
If someone tried to deprive you of your rights, you've got to resist it. You've got to resent it. You've got to fight against it.
If we die, we want people to accept it. We are in a risky business, and we hope that if anything happens to us, it will not delay the program. The conquest of space is worth the risk of life.
To me non-violence has come to represent a panacea for all the evils that surround my people, and, therefore, I am devoting all my energies towards the establishment of a society that should be based on its principles of truth and peace.
It is better to die than to preserve this life by incurring disgrace. The loss of life causes but a moment's grief, but disgrace brings grief every day of one's life.
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