The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without.
Interpretation
Defending something requires balance, ensuring you do not compromise its core values in the process.
This quote emphasizes the delicate balance involved in defense. It suggests that while it is important to protect something from external threats, one must be cautious not to undermine or damage the integrity of that very thing in the process of defense. Essentially, it highlights the potential dangers of losing sight of what is truly valuable while trying to protect it.
In practice
I used this quote in a speech about maintaining company culture while adapting to market changes.
If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
The libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
When pressure mounts and strain increases everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.
Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
Let not a man do what his sense of right bids him not to do, nor desire what it forbids him to desire. This is sufficient. The skillful artist will not alter his measures for the sake of a stupid workman.
'It only put me in Gryffindor,' said Harry in a defeated voice, 'because I asked not to go in Slytherin...' 'Exactly' said Dumbledore, beaming once more. 'Which makes you very different from Tom Riddle. It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.'
No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness.
If they would teach us from the time we're little to meditate and get in touch with all that our souls know, we wouldn't fight so much.
In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.
We often repent of our first thoughts, and scarce ever of our second.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.