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Two Great Maxims For Life

by John Campbell
6 replies
I draw these two maxims from my time as an officer in the British Army.

The first comes from my platoon commander when I was an officer cadet. He used to say to us - "I am supremely indifferent as to why it can't be done - just do it!"

And the second is from an Australian squadron commander I served under in new Guinea. He would say - "Right - decision time, so we will go firm and remain flexible."

I have found these saying to be both amusing and very apt in all situations.
#great #life #maxims
  • Profile picture of the author NeshSab
    Hi John,

    Thanks for sharing these with us. I really like them both, especially the second one.
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  • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Farthing
    Originally Posted by John Campbell View Post

    "I am supremely indifferent as to why it can't be done - just do it!"
    Reminds me of the quote I currently have on my whiteboard -

    "When life gives you lemons, burn life's house down."

    There's always a reason something won't work, always another curveball life throws at you.

    Sometimes, instead of just reacting to problems, we can figure out how to remove the problem altogether.
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    • Profile picture of the author cajtrixie
      Originally Posted by John Campbell View Post

      "I am supremely indifferent as to why it can't be done - just do it!"
      ...
      "Right - decision time, so we will go firm and remain flexible."
      Personally, I've always had a little bit of trouble with the first saying, only because, while it's great motivation, if you've given your all and have gone above and beyond, but still can't manage to do it, well, that possibility doesn't exist. It basically negates the hard work and struggle that you've overcome merely because of the final outcome.

      The second saying, on the other hand, I agree with wholeheartedly! Decide what you want to do, go for it, and if plans change (because they always do), then change with them!

      In general, though, those were great quotes. ^_^


      Originally Posted by Benjamin Farthing View Post

      "When life gives you lemons, burn life's house down."
      "Make life take the lemons back! Get mad! I don't want your damn lemons, what the hell am I supposed to do with these? Demand to see life's manager!"

      Oh Cave Johnson, how I love you. <3 XD hahahahaha

      Thanks for making me smile, Benjamin. There aren't NEARLY enough people quoting Cave Johnson! ^_^
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  • Profile picture of the author HeadStartSEO
    Good quote, but trying to "be supremely indifferent" will create resistance to doing it in people who haven't had much life experience.

    A better mindset might be: embrace all obstacles to "doing it" and treat them as fun learning experiences.
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    • Profile picture of the author the brewer
      I like what Edison had to say:

      "The value of an idea lies in the using of it."

      Thanks for the share John.
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  • Profile picture of the author mistermuscles
    I hadn't heard of either of the two maxims from your time as an officer in the British Army.

    They are both very good although I do really like the "I am supremely indifferent as to why it can't be done - just do it!"

    Thank you.
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