Great story about a boy's efforts to improve his lot.
also
"It appears we have appointed our worst generals to command forces, and our most gifted and brilliant to edit newspapers! In fact, I discovered by reading newspapers that these editor/geniuses plainly saw all my strategic defects from the start, yet failed to inform me until it was too late.
Accordingly, I'm readily willing to yield my command to these obviously superior intellects, and I'll, in turn, do my best for the Cause by writing editorials - after the fact."
Robert E. Lee, 1863
One last class before graduation at the Naval Academy the Instructor gave out one final assignment.
"Given one metal pole, two bags of cement, a selection of shovels, a wheel barrow, and any other tools you find necessary, AND One Chief, one Petty Officer and a selection of Seamen, DESCRIBE The process you will take to erect the pole so that a flag hung from it can be seen from XX number of feet away.
You have two hours. Begin."
The near-Ensigns began to write with concentration. At the end of two hours, the Instructor called time and collected the papers.
Quickly paging through them, he announced the grades.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, there are some thorough and detailed responses here, but only one "A". I would like to read it to you.
"In order to erect the flag pole, I would do the following: I would say: 'Chief, put up the flagpole.' "
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