Anecdote follows: I have always liked the quote "he who defends everything defends nothing." It's one of those axioms that puts into words what has long been a nebulous thought of mine. As I researched to find out the origin of this gem, I learned it was none other than Frederick II the Great (not to be confused with Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, who was, by all accounts, not as great). The attribution of this quote to Frederick II makes sense to those of us who have ever had an interest in military history, as he is regarded by many (maybe just me, actually) as the father of maneuver warfare, which he developed in Prussia, using principles like interior lines to maximize his economy of force. This evolved into German Blitzkrieg and American Airmobile and later Air-Land Doctrine. Yet I digress....
As I was researching, I learned that old Frederick II (der alte Fritz, as he's known in the Sudetenland), has articulated plenty of other thoughts that generally provoke me to thought. Here are a few:
"All religions must be tolerated... for every man must get to heaven in his own way."
See my first post, Postulate 2. It follows that (2. b.) one ought to live and let live.
"If my soldiers were to begin to think, not one of them would remain in the army."
Forsooth... which is why I'm not cut out for the Army.
"The greatest and noblest pleasure which we have in this world is to discover new truths, and the next is to shake off old prejudices."
Amen. Postulate 1.
"Religion is the idol of the mob; it adores everything it does not understand."
Right? Perfect example of the latter half of this quote: Vanilla Sky... just make a nonsense film and claim it's artsy and deep and since people don't understand it they will love it. Other examples include: (1) Every English paper for which I've ever received an A. Seems the more nonsensical my work is to me, the more the teacher makes of it. To those of you still in college: the best way to succeed in creative writing is to confuse your teacher. (2) The Fountainhead. Not so much an example in itself, but filled with stories of nonsense that people think is great because they don't realize that they don't get it because there's nothing to get.
"My people and I have come to an agreement which satisfied us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please."
Well put. Note to self: become King of Prussia.
"What is the good of experience if you do not reflect?"
So, I decided to start a blog.
"I begin by taking. I shall find scholars later to demonstrate my perfect right."
At least he's honest about it.
Finally, here's another important quote to me, brought to you by Creed, that shady old guy in The Office:
"If I can't Scuba, then what's this all been about? What am I working toward?"
Creed is a winner... another favorite:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08GFjxnDX_A
O.M.G. - I was with you until you said the Fountainhead was nonsense. This I CANNOT accept. I love that book because it helped to articulate the notion of living truly attuned to yourself. I like the concept of a justified selfishness - especially in this day where we're using the word "duty" like it's going out of style. No. I have a duty to myself. Nobody else. If I CHOOSE to contribute to others lives, well that is my choice. But don't snivel all over me if I don't feel that you should be able to leach off my talents or abilities...I would think you, of all people, would have liked that book ;-)
ReplyDeleteOk, so after speaking with you I know that you weren't trying to say the BOOK was nonsense. You were saying the sniveling leaches IN the book were nonsense. I would delete my previous comment, but it won't let me.
ReplyDeletelol no worries
ReplyDeleteI very much enjoyed ole Freddy's agreement with his people. If becoming the King of Prussia doesn't work out, I'm pretty sure this is the Cable Company's Customer Service mantra... They are always hiring.
ReplyDelete