From W.N. Murray from The Scottish Himalayan Expedition, 1951
Until one is committed
there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back,
always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation),
there is one elementary truth,
the ignorance of which kills countless ideas
and splendid plans:
That the moment one definitely commits oneself,
then Providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one
that would otherwise never have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner
of unforeseen incidents and meetings
and material assistance,
which no man could have dreamt
would have come his way.
I have learned a deep respect
for one of Goethe's couplets:
"Whatever you can do, or dream you can -- begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."
Thursday, February 8, 2007
From the horses mouth...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I think the bigger deal is that inaction is paralysing. Absolutely test your motive, but, at some point, stop talking and start walking.
The whole point of Murray's quote is that hesitancy and tentativeness thwart our progress..mainly because they give us an escape route. Pinning your colours to the wall becomes motivating in itself.
And as for providence... again, I think the point is being missed. While he might be a little hyperbolic (or succinct) I think he's pointing out that you may well be surprised how providence moves as well - once you pull your finger out.
Partnership is a team sport - we have to move too... I think that's what he's observing, not supposing.
Post a Comment