Mea sententia

This folk wisdom is variously attributed to Sun Tzu (The Art of War), Carl von Clausewitz, Mae Zedong, and the heavyweight prizefighter Jack Dempsey. Regardless of origin, it deserves its place in the pantheon of behavioral truths.

During a recent conversation with a patient about her irritable bowel syndrome, I asked about possible stressors:

“So, tell me, I know it’s hard to manage both full time school and a part time job, but I wonder if there are any other things going on for you that you wish you could change?”

“And God created the organization and gave it dominion over man.“

(attributed to Peter Townsend)

“And God created the organization and gave it dominion over man.“

(attributed to Peter Townsend)

Top-down and centrally controlled leadership/management has predictable (negative) results as outlined in the graphic below the fold…

Every physician has a few stories of things that are funny or amazing, in retrospect, but were less so at the time. Many of these are of questionable taste. This is one of those stories. Read on at your own risk – you were warned.

Moderation (or centrism in the political world) is best defined as a slavish devotion to the status quo.

Which approach seems right to you? How do you maintain a balance?

Every experienced backpacker has a collection of newbie stories suitable for teaching and humor. One of my favorites involves a young couple looking for romantic adventure.

Stars and Strips forever. Enjoy it. Your host 

I’m not sure where this came from. I found it among some notes and writing fragments. If someone can help me source it, I would love to add a citation. For now, it stands as a tribute to those who have gone before, and a nod to those yet to come…

First you can’t wait to grow up so you can move out. Then you move out and discover you have to grow up.

Then you can’t wait to be a couple so you can start a family, and suddenly you yearn for the days you did things your own way, without a thought.