Posted on Jan 24, 2017
Lessons For Life in the Military from Mark Twain
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I have emulated my career and conduct around the service of General Colin Powell and, oddly enough, around the quotes of Mark Twain. As a young reader, Mark Twain’s plain spoken English and matter of fact life advice appealed to me. I first gained an appreciation for him after reading “Tom Sawyer”, and was addicted to his home-spun charm thereafter.
His most famous sayings are easy to apply to everyday life. Everyone understands, “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them.” Put simply, read books, or you’re no better than an illiterate man. So with his advice, read books, I did. I was voracious, I read everything I could get my hands on. The following are a few of my favorite Mark Twain quotes and the impact that the quotes had on my life. My personal heroes tend to embody the many attributes exemplified by Twain.
“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”
Mobs and the loudest voice should not always rule, even if the naysayer is the brunt of ridicule. There are countless examples of those who stood up to the angry crowd, such as St. Maurice, the patron Saint of the Infantry, who refused to bow to the mores of his time and kill innocent Christians.
“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.”
This quote forced me to examine myself for the first time. It most immediately calls to mind the ideal of a West Point Cadet, which is, “I will not lie, cheat, nor steal or tolerate those who do.”
“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”
I take heed of this quote because I like the idea of the quiet professional. I think it’s important to ensure that your voice is heard when you do decide to say something, and it’s important that that “something” is meaningful.
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
To lead a life of empathy and understanding of mankind is my highest aspiration. I’ve always tried emulating my father in this respect. I never heard him say no, and holding a grudge was beyond his capability. Moreover he was completely dedicated to the plight of others.
I think the Twain quotes taught me that living your life with a code can, in the end, be one of life’s most rewarding of challenges. It is an aspiration that you can start today. We are lucky as service personnel that we already serve a higher purpose - that of protecting our country. Our service gives us an automatic bye on developing a contribution that is beyond personal gain. That said, where some of us may use our service as a crutch, others may take the examples of leaders, visionaries, or even inspiring authors to help us live a “purpose-driven” life.
His most famous sayings are easy to apply to everyday life. Everyone understands, “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them.” Put simply, read books, or you’re no better than an illiterate man. So with his advice, read books, I did. I was voracious, I read everything I could get my hands on. The following are a few of my favorite Mark Twain quotes and the impact that the quotes had on my life. My personal heroes tend to embody the many attributes exemplified by Twain.
“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”
Mobs and the loudest voice should not always rule, even if the naysayer is the brunt of ridicule. There are countless examples of those who stood up to the angry crowd, such as St. Maurice, the patron Saint of the Infantry, who refused to bow to the mores of his time and kill innocent Christians.
“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.”
This quote forced me to examine myself for the first time. It most immediately calls to mind the ideal of a West Point Cadet, which is, “I will not lie, cheat, nor steal or tolerate those who do.”
“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”
I take heed of this quote because I like the idea of the quiet professional. I think it’s important to ensure that your voice is heard when you do decide to say something, and it’s important that that “something” is meaningful.
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
To lead a life of empathy and understanding of mankind is my highest aspiration. I’ve always tried emulating my father in this respect. I never heard him say no, and holding a grudge was beyond his capability. Moreover he was completely dedicated to the plight of others.
I think the Twain quotes taught me that living your life with a code can, in the end, be one of life’s most rewarding of challenges. It is an aspiration that you can start today. We are lucky as service personnel that we already serve a higher purpose - that of protecting our country. Our service gives us an automatic bye on developing a contribution that is beyond personal gain. That said, where some of us may use our service as a crutch, others may take the examples of leaders, visionaries, or even inspiring authors to help us live a “purpose-driven” life.
Military Life
Lessons Learned
Author
Literature
Command Post
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 8
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COL Lee Flemming Sir, you have set your standards very high. General Powell is an amazing man. I was stationed with a MP that used to work on the post where General Powell lived. He would tell me stories of calls that he had to make to the Powell household for some serious calls in dealing with General Powell's wife on a regular basis. His wife has battled serious mental health issues though his entire career and he has not only been an impeccable leader, but a faithful loving father and husband. His love of family is what I respect about him most. While Mark Twain is always good food for thought, trying to live up to the standards of Collin Powell is very noble indeed.
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COL Lee Flemming
SGT William Howell that is really some deep insight about General Powell. He has been an example and hero for my entire career!
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Sgt Bob Leonard
Thank you for sharing that info about Mrs. Powell. Now that I know that, I'm even more impressed by their commitments to each other and service to others. It's so very important for people to realize that depression is not a "character flaw", but a chemical imbalance that can be successfully treated.
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SGT William Howell
COL Lee Flemming - His wife Alma Powell has talked about about it in several interviews and I believe has been a advocate for mental health awareness. There seems to be several things that come up with a Google search. I think it would be worth the time. I am going to see what I can find tonight.
My hero was General Petraeus. I had met and worked for him in Iraq rebuilding the Iraqi Police Crops. I believed that he was on his way to a Presidential bid at some point. I was devastated when he got in all the trouble with secrets and a mistress.
My hero was General Petraeus. I had met and worked for him in Iraq rebuilding the Iraqi Police Crops. I believed that he was on his way to a Presidential bid at some point. I was devastated when he got in all the trouble with secrets and a mistress.
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I have two quotes by him that I wrote on a board in my kitchen
1 "It's never the wrong time to do the right thing"
2 "Character is doing the right thing when nobody's is looking"
Very wise man, IMO we could all learn a thing or two from him
1 "It's never the wrong time to do the right thing"
2 "Character is doing the right thing when nobody's is looking"
Very wise man, IMO we could all learn a thing or two from him
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COL Lee Flemming
I absolutely love both of those quotes GySgt Melissa Gravila! They are life appropriate....!
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COL Lee Flemming
Sir, I am sure it would have been my honor...Semper Fi!!! Thank you so much for your confidence.
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