The secret to learning, knowledge, and imagination? Probably not to Einstein. No stranger to sharing knowledge and advice with young minds with Einstein letters.
Einstein letters help reveal the man.
Everyone is a genius …
But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree,
it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.
– Albert Einstein
We are fans of Albert Einstein, there is no doubt. There is probably more to Einstein and philosophy outside of science than in his world within science and many great stories.
Related post: Never Give Up Your Dreams
As an example … Einstein’s views on life were most interesting. A focus on simplicity was one of his main tenets and though his skill in physics was renown, he believed everything that can be counted did not necessarily count and that everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted.
He believed in being a giver… only a life lived for others was a life worthwhile. Einstein was often frustrated with the state of his times and felt that the world would require a substantially new manner of thinking to survive. He felt that the world was dangerous not because of evil people but because of people who recognize the evil, yet do nothing about it.
His characterization of the age was that world leaders had developed a perfection of means yet had a significant confusion of ends.
This article will give you a great background on Einstein’s wisdom. A man ahead of his time. This letter exchange will then have more meaning.
We recently read a very interesting article from Brain Picking’s Weekly. Have you ever read from this weekly? Always chock full of interesting reads. Certainly, the case here, especially since we are such fans of Albert Einstein. It is a story we will share.
From Dear Professor Einstein: Albert Einstein’s Letters to and from Children (public library) comes the following exchange between Einstein and a bright, witty South African girl named Tyfanny, who reminded Einstein of his own granddaughter and with whom he exchanged several letters despite being at the height of his career and cultural prominence.
In a letter dated September 19, 1946, Tyfanny writes:
I forgot to tell you, in my last letter, that I was a girl. I mean I am a girl. I have always regretted this a great deal, but by now I have become more or less resigned to the fact. Anyway, I hate dresses and dances and all the kind of rot girls usually like. I much prefer horses and riding. Long ago, before I wanted to become a scientist, I wanted to be a jockey and ride horses in races. But that was ages ago, now. I hope you will not think any the less of me for being a girl!
Sometime between September and October 1946 — a snappy response time by the day’s standards — Einstein replies:
I do not mind that you are a girl, but the main thing is that you yourself do not mind. There is no reason for it.
What is most amazing to me is the fact that most of his wisdom is more applicable in today’s society than it was in his. He was always considered ahead of his time, wasn’t he?
Einstein was never short of good ideas. And his best ideas were perhaps those ideas not limited to science.
Remember … stay curious; keep refreshing your sources. What we see depends on what we look for.
Need some help in capturing more customers from your marketing or advertising campaigns? Looking for creative ideas to help the differentiation with potential customers?
Call today for a FREE consultation or a FREE quote. Learn about some options to scope your job.
Call Mike at 607-725-8240.
All you get is what you bring to the fight. And that fight gets better every day you learn and apply new ideas.
When things are not what you want them to be, what’s most important is your next step. Call today.
Test. Learn. Improve. Repeat.
Are you devoting enough energy to improving your enthusiasm?
Do you have a lesson about making your motivation better you can share with this community? Have any questions or comments to add in the section below?
Digital Spark Marketing will stretch your thinking and your ability to adapt to change. We also provide some fun and inspiration along the way. Call us for a free quote today. You will be amazed at how reasonable we will be.
More inspirational stories from Digital Spark Marketing’s Library:
Mike Schoultz is a digital marketing and customer service expert. With 48 years of business experience, he consults on and writes about topics to help improve the performance of small business. Find him on G+, Facebook, Twitter, Digital Spark Marketing, and LinkedIn.
Pericles is known for the quote: What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. He knew the importance of people making a difference.
People making a difference and who connect emotionally start with a simple smile, it is not rocket science. It is only real when it is shared, and you can’t do too much sharing.
Do you sometimes wonder how much-unseen impact your actions and life is having on others?
I read a story on this subject along the way in my career and would like to share it with this community.
The story is told of a man at a local grocery store. This man noticed a small boy, ragged but clean, who he described as hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas.
The man was looking over some of the new fresh produce on his way out when he overheard the conversation between the store owner and the ragged boy.
The hungry boy replied Hello Mr. Miller, Fine, thank you. Jus’ admirin’ them peas… sure look good.
Each time the little boy would come to the store the conversation would have a similar tone. He would ask him how he was doing and how his mom was. She was sick, and they just didn’t have much at home. Yet this hungry young boy’s attention was always on the fresh produce.
Mr. Miller would always ask if Barry would like to take some home. Barry would reply No, Sir. Got nuthin’ to pay for them with.
And Mr. Miller would say, Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?
Barry would say, All I got is my prize marble here.
Is that right? Let me see it. Mr. Miller would take a careful look at it and compliment the boy on his prized marble. Mr. Miller would say, Well, the only thing is this one is blue, and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one at home?
The little boy would say not exactly, but he had one sort of like it.
Mr. Miller would then send the boy home with the marble and peas and asked him to bring the red marble back when he found it.
Sharing with friends.
Mrs. Miller, the store owners wife came back to help the man looking at the produce with an ear turned towards the conversation of the store owner and this little boy. With a smile she said, There are two other boys like him in our community. All three are very poor. Jim (Mr. Miller) just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with red marbles he decides he doesn’t like red marbles and sends them back with a bag of produce searching for another color.
Years later Mr. Miller had passed away. The man who had witnessed his kind acts happened to be in town the night of his viewing. The friends he was visiting wanted to attend and this man decided to join them.
As they arrived and waited in line, offering condolences to the family of this generous man, ahead of them in line were three finely dressed men. One was in an Army uniform and the other two in nice dark suits with white shirts. All were very professional looking.
The three young men approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband’s casket. Each of the young men hugged her and then kissed her on the cheek. They spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her light blue misty eyes followed them one by one, as each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary wiping his eyes in recognizable sorrow.
The man’s turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. He reminded her of the story she told him so long ago about her husband’s generous bargaining with the marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took the man’s hand and led him to the casket. Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about, she said. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim ‘traded’ them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size… they came to pay their debt.
Mrs. Miller said: We’ve never had a great deal of the wealth of this world, but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho.
With loving gentleness, she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband.
Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.
Another great story: The Story of Tank the Dog or Is It, Reggie?
My takeaway from this story?
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are … and a difference will be made.
Need some help in capturing more customers from your marketing or advertising campaigns? Looking for creative ideas to help the differentiation with potential customers?
Call today for a FREE consultation or a FREE quote. Learn about some options to scope your job.
Call Mike at 607-725-8240.
All you get is what you bring to the fight. And that fight gets better every day you learn and apply new ideas.
When things are not what you want them to be, what’s most important is your next step. Call today.
Test. Learn. Improve. Repeat.
Are you devoting enough energy to improving your enthusiasm?
Do you have a lesson about making your motivation better you can share with this community? Have any questions or comments to add in the section below?
Digital Spark Marketing will stretch your thinking and your ability to adapt to change. We also provide some fun and inspiration along the way. Call us for a free quote today. You will be amazed at how reasonable we will be.
More inspirational stories from Digital Spark Marketing’s Library:
Mike Schoultz is a digital marketing and customer service expert. With 48 years of business experience, he consults on and writes about topics to help improve the performance of small business. Find him on G+, Facebook, Twitter, Digital Spark Marketing, and LinkedIn.
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
A story about living.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, ”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The Six-year-old continued,
”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
Another story for you: The Story of Tank the Dog or Is It, Reggie?
A comforting explanation.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Appreciate attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
Delight in the joys of simple things … like a nice long walk.
Be loyal.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
Bottom line:
There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good.
Need some help in capturing more customers from your marketing or advertising campaigns? Looking for creative ideas to help the differentiation with potential customers?
Call today for a FREE consultation or a FREE quote. Learn about some options to scope your job.
Call Mike at 607-725-8240.
All you get is what you bring to the fight. And that fight gets better every day you learn and apply new ideas.
When things are not what you want them to be, what’s most important is your next step. Call today.
Test. Learn. Improve. Repeat.
Are you devoting enough energy to improving your enthusiasm?
Do you have a lesson about making your motivation better you can share with this community? Have any questions or comments to add in the section below?
Digital Spark Marketing will stretch your thinking and your ability to adapt to change. We also provide some fun and inspiration along the way. Call us for a free quote today. You will be amazed at how reasonable we will be.
More inspirational stories from Digital Spark Marketing’s Library:
Mike Schoultz is a digital marketing and customer service expert. With 48 years of business experience, he consults on and writes about topics to help improve the performance of small business. Find him on G+, Facebook, Twitter, Digital Spark Marketing, and LinkedIn.
The human visual system is a pattern seeker of enormous power and subtlety. The eye and the visual cortex of the brain form a massively parallel processor that provides the highest bandwidth channel into your cognitive centers. You rely more on the sense of sight than on any other of the senses.
Keep reading: Generating Ideas by Convergent Thinking
When compared to our other senses, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, which are like narrow alleyways paved in cobblestone; the sense of sight is like a superhighway.
No doubt about those facts. None. But you still need to rely on your brain to decide on how to use all of your senses. Here a simple story about a missing watch we found to illustrate our point (author unknown):
There once was a farmer who discovered that he had lost his watch in the barn. It was no ordinary watch because it was a family heirloom and had great sentimental value for him.
After searching high and low among the hay for a long while; he gave up and enlisted the help of a group of children that liked to play outside the barn.
He promised them that the person who found it would be rewarded.
Hearing this, the children hurried inside the barn, went through and around the entire stack of hay but still could not find the watch. Just when the farmer was about to give up looking for his watch, a little boy went up to him and asked to be given another chance.
The farmer looked at him and thought, “Why not? After all, this kid looks sincere enough.”
How to rely on your brain.
So the farmer sent the little boy back in the barn. After a while, the little boy came out with the watch in his hand! The farmer was both happy and surprised and so he asked the boy how he succeeded where he and the rest had failed.
The boy replied, “I did nothing but sit on the ground and listen. In the silence, I heard the ticking of the watch and just looked for it in that direction.”
Always look for logic.
Taking a few minutes to think about the problem allowed the young boy to think about how best to apply his senses.
The bottom line
Great storytelling is infinitely more than simply producing content. It is, in fact, no less than helping customers connect with the soul of your enterprise.
Allow a few minutes of silence for your mind every day, and see how sharply it helps you to set yourself up to the way you want it to be!
Remember, don’t let what you know influence what you can imagine.
Do you have any stories on your senses from the experience vault that you could share with this community?
Need some help in capturing more customers from your marketing or advertising campaigns? Looking for creative ideas to help the differentiation with potential customers?
All you get is what you bring to the fight. And that fight gets better every day you learn and apply new ideas.
When things are not what you want them to be, what’s most important is your next step.
Test. Learn. Improve. Repeat.
Are you devoting enough energy to improving your enthusiasm?
Do you have a lesson about making your motivation better you can share with this community? Have any questions or comments to add in the section below?
Digital Spark Marketing will stretch your thinking and your ability to adapt to change. We also provide some fun and inspiration along the way.
More reading on creativity and innovation from Digital Spark Marketing’s Library:
Amazon and Managing Innovation … the Jeff Bezos Vision
Mike Schoultz is a digital marketing and customer service expert. With 48 years of business experience, he consults on and writes about topics to help improve the performance of small business. Find him on G+, Facebook, Twitter, Digital Spark Marketing, and LinkedIn.
I am a fan of Civil War history. I also like to study leadership and effective leadership qualities. This article tells the story of Joshua Chamberlain, a highly decorated Union officer. The objective of the article … highlight a great gesture of effective leadership.
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was an American college professor from the State of Maine, who volunteered during the American Civil War to join the Union Army. Although having no earlier education in military strategies, he became a highly respected and decorated Union officer, reaching the rank of brigadier general.
Chamberlain achieved fame at the Battle of Gettysburg, where his valiant defense of a hill named Little Round Top became the focus of many publications and stories, including the novel The Killer Angels and the film Gettysburg. On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Union forces were recovering from initial defeats and hastily regrouping into defensive positions on a line of hills south of the town. Sensing the momentary vulnerability of the Union forces, the Confederates began an attack against the Union left flank.
Sent to defend the southern slope of Little Round Top, Chamberlain found himself and the 20th Maine at the far left end of the entire Union line. He quickly understood the strategic significance of the small hill, and the need for the 20th Maine to hold the Union left at all costs.
Time and time again the Confederates struck until the 20th Maine was almost doubled back upon itself. With many casualties and ammunition running low, Col. Chamberlain recognized the dire circumstances and ordered his left wing to initiate a bayonet charge. From his report of the day, battlefield conditions make it unlikely that many men heard Chamberlain’s order; most historians believe he initiated the charge. The 20th Maine charged down the hill, with the left wing wheeling continually to make the charging line swing like a hinge, capturing 101 of the Confederate soldiers and successfully saving the flank.
For his “daring heroism and great tenacity in holding his position on the Little Round Top against repeated assaults, and carrying the advance position on the Great Round Top”, Chamberlain was awarded the Medal of Honor.
But those heroic events were not the best leadership qualities that Gen Chamberlain had to offer.
On the morning of April 9, 1865, Chamberlain learned of the desire by Lee to surrender the Army of Northern Virginia. The next day, Chamberlain was summoned to Union headquarters where he was informed that he had been selected to preside over the parade of the Confederate infantry as part of their formal surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 12.
Brig Gen Joshua Chamberlain.
Thus Chamberlain was responsible for one of the most poignant scenes of the Civil War. Chamberlain described what happened next in his memoirs (Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, The Passing of the Armies: The Last Campaign of the Armies, (Pennsylvania: Stan Clark Military Books, 1994), pp260-261.):
The momentous meaning of this occasion impressed me deeply. I resolved to mark it by some token of recognition, which could be no other than a salute of arms. Well aware of the responsibility assumed and of the criticisms that would follow, as the sequel proved, nothing of that kind could move me in the least. The act could be defended, if needful, by the suggestion that such a salute was not to the cause for which the flag of the Confederacy stood, but to its going down before the flag of the Union. My main reason, however, was one for which I sought no authority nor asked forgiveness.
Before us in proud humiliation stood the embodiment of manhood: men whom neither toils and sufferings, nor the fact of death, nor disaster, nor hopelessness could bend from their resolve; standing before us now, thin, worn, and famished, but erect, and with eyes looking level into ours, waking memories that bound us together as no other bond;—was not such manhood to be welcomed back into a Union so tested and assured?
Instructions had been given; and when the head of each division column comes opposite our group, our bugle sounds the signal and instantly our whole line from right to left, regiment by regiment in succession, gives the soldier’s salutation, from the “order arms” to the old “carry”—the marching salute.
Gordon at the head of the column, riding with heavy spirit and downcast face, catches the sound of shifting arms, looks up, and, taking the meaning, wheels superbly, making with himself and his horse one uplifted figure, with profound salutation as he drops the point of his sword to the boot toe; then facing to his own command, gives word for his successive brigades to pass us with the same position of the manual,—honor answering honor.
Another story for you: A Story About Living as Told by a Six-Year-Old Boy
On our part not a sound of trumpet more, nor roll of drum; not a cheer, nor word nor whisper of vain-glorying, nor motion of man standing again at the order, but an awed stillness rather, and breath-holding, as if it were the passing of the dead!
And that, at the start of the day and at the end of the day, is the true meaning of effective leadership. It represented the most effective leadership quality Gen Chamberlain could have initiated.
The moral of this story:
Leadership is not about you; it’s not about anything in a leadership position, – except the mission and purpose of the organization.
Another great story: The Story of Tank the Dog or Is It, Reggie?
Please share a story from your leadership experience vault.
Need some help in capturing more improvements for your staff’s leadership, teamwork, and collaboration? Creative ideas in running or facilitating a team or leadership workshop?
Call today for a FREE consultation or a FREE quote. Learn about some options to scope your job.
Call Mike at 607-725-8240.
All you get is what you bring to the fight. And that fight gets better every day you learn and apply new ideas.
When things are not what you want them to be, what’s most important is your next step. Call today.
Test. Learn. Improve. Repeat.
Are you devoting enough energy innovating your social media strategy?
Do you have a lesson about making your advertising better you can share with this community? Have any questions or comments to add in the section below?
Mike Schoultz is the founder of Digital Spark Marketing, a digital marketing and customer service agency. With 40 years of business experience, he blogs on topics that relate to improving the performance of your business. Find them on G+, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Digital Spark Marketing will stretch your thinking and your ability to adapt to change. We also provide some fun and inspiration along the way. Call us for a free quote today. You will be amazed at how reasonable we will be.
More inspirational stories from Digital Spark Marketing’s Library:
Great Stories and Storytelling Can Have a Very Healing Influence
Never Give Up Your Dreams
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I am a fan of Civil War history. I also like to study leadership and good leadership qualities. This article tells the story of West Point Class brothers in arms from the class of 1846.
The objective of the article is to summarize some of the best facts and leaders from John Waugh’s book The Class of 1846: From the West Point Class to Appomattox. We’ll focus on the leaders that were best at getting their people to where they had not been.
Let me start with a short synopsis of the book from the Kirkus Reviews:
The “brothers’ fight” of Civil War legend and historical cliché is grounded in firm fact. The war definitely split many actual families along partisan lines. In addition, a sizeable number of celebrated officers in blue and in gray had been bosom buddies at West Point.
They were subsequently comrades and mess-mates in the prewar Federal army. In an exceedingly well-written narrative, Waugh tackles this subject head-on. In the book he follows school friends of the 1846 West Point graduating class.
He covered their four rigorous years at the Academy through the questionable heroics of the Mexican War. Also included were the early Indian wars on the Great Plains to the grim carnage of America’s Iliad.
The “Class of `46” produced ten generals on the Union side, including the ultimately unsuccessful George McClellan (who at least survived the war). The class also included nine on the Confederate, including those fabled warriors “Stonewall” Jackson and A.P. Hill (both of whom were killed). and the luckless, ultimately bitter George Pickett, who had graduated last in his class.
By a perversity of fate, the number-one man in the class (McClellan was ranked second) never made it higher than colonel during the conflict. Wonderful, poignant stories were covered. They were, in the past, often alluded to but rarely told, and even more rarely told so well.
The class of 1846 at West Point cut their teeth as military leaders in the Mexican War, and in the process, they forged strong relationships. Years later, they would test their skills against each other.
Related post: Never Give Up Your Dreams
Stonewall Jackson, George McClellan, Ambrose Powell Hill and George Pickett were just a few members of this unique class.
Here is a list of each of the 59 members of the class, their side of battle, and their highest rank achieved. Also included is a summary of their contribution, and their class rank:
Adams, John: Class Rank: 25, Highest rank: Confederate Brig Gen, Killed at the Battle of Franklin, 1864.
Bacon, Rufus: Class Rank: 23. Committed suicide in 1846.
Botts Archibald: Class Rank: 57. Died in Mexico, 1847.
Couch, Darius Nash: Class Rank: 13. Highest Rank: Union Major General.
Derby, George Horatio: Class Rank: 7. Died as the WTBS began while a celebrated humorist.
Dutton, William: Class Rank 15. Highest Rank: Union Colonel. Died in 1862.
Easley, Thomas; Class Rank: 48. Killed in the Mexican War in 1847.
Foster, John Gray: Class Rank: 4. Highest Rank: Union Major General.
Fry, Birkett Davenport: Dismissed from the Academy. Highest Rank: Confederate Brig Gen.
Gardner, William Montgomery: Class Rank: 55. Highest Rank: Confederate Brig Gen.
Gibbon, John: Graduated in 1847. Highest Rank: Union Major General.
Gordon, George Henry: Class Rank: 43. Highest Rank: Union Major General
Hardcastle, Edmund Lafayette: Class Rank: 5. Resigned from the Army in 1856.
Hill, Ambrose Powell: Graduated in 1847. Highest Rank: Confederate Lt Gen. Killed at Petersburg, 1865.
Jackson, Thomas Jonathan: Class Rank: 17. Highest Rank: Confederate Lt Gen. Mortally wounded at Chancellorsville in 1863.
Jones, David Rumph: Class Rank: 41. Highest Rank: Confederate Major General. Died in 1863.
Lowe, Thomas J: Dismissed for irrepressibly questionable conduct.
McClellan, George Brinton: Class Rank: 2. Highest Rank: Union Major General.
Maury, Dabney Herndon: Class Rank: 37. Highest Rank: Confederate Major General.
Maxey, Samuel Bell; Class Rank: 58. Highest Rank: Confederate Major General.
Oakes, James: Class Rank: 34. Highest Rank: Union Brig Gen.
Pickett, George Edward: Class Rank: 59. Highest Rank: Confederate Major General.
Raymond, Samuel H: Died at West Point in 1845.
Reno, Jesse Lee: Class Rank: 8. Highest Rank; Union Major General. Killed at South Mountain in 1862.
Rodgers, Alexander Perry: Class Rank; 30. Killed in the Mexican War in 1947.
Seymour, Charles Seafort: Class Rank: 1. Highest Rank: Union Colonel.
Stoneman, George: Class Rank: 33. Highest Rank: Union Major General.
Stuart, James: Class Rank: 39. Killed in the Indian Wars in 1851.
Sturgis, Samuel Davis: Class Rank: 32. Highest Rank: Union Major General.
Taylor, Oliver Hazzard Perry: Class Rank: 31. Killed in the Indian Wars in 1858.
Turnley, Parmenas Taylor: Class Rank: 40. Highest Rank: Union Captain. Disabled and retired in 1863.
Wilcox, Cadmus Maecellus: Class Rank: 54. Highest Rank: Confederate Major General.
Wilson, Clarendon J.L.: Class Rank; 9. Died in New Mexico Territory in 1853.
The most famous of The Class of 1846
The West Point graduating class of 1846 included the three biggest names known to most anyone; George McClellan, Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Jackson, and George Pickett.
Historically, it was the largest at the time and now, the most famous class of West Point. A fascinating war, with stories of friends fighting friends.
West point class of 1846 … George B. McClellan
Future General George B. McClellan, the Commander of the Army of the Potomac at the start of the Civil War graduated second in that class. I’ve read he was once referred to as ‘the only man who could strut while sitting down.’
General McClellan was fired by Lincoln in November of 1862 and replaced with Burnside. The reason? Lincoln had finally had enough of McClellan’s paranoia that the Confederate Army was too big for him to handle.
There was something I find most amusing that Lincoln stated at the time. I paraphrase: ‘I’d like to borrow the army if you’re not using it.’
Stonewall Jackson.
Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Jackson
Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Jackson, hailing from Jackson’s Mill, Virginia, had faced an uphill struggle at West Point. He was known to burn coal into the late night hours, trading his sleeping time for much-needed study.
He had a difficult time with his drawing lessons and had many idiosyncrasies. He was known to keep his body in as straight a position as possible, fearing any bending or unnatural position could cause harm to his internal organs.
He graduated 17th in the class and went on from there to be commended for his bravery and brilliance with artillery in the Mexican-American War. Afterwards, he went to teach at Virginia Military Institute until the secession and Civil War.
It was during a move of Union forces towards the Confederate position on Henry Hill at Manassas in July, 1861 that he acquired his famous nickname ‘Stonewall.’
Jackson’s mindset was to stand his ground and resort to bayonets if needed. Confederate General Barnard Bee, before dying shortly thereafter, is reported to have observed, “Yonder stands Jackson, like a stone wall.”
It remains unclear to this day in what tone or inflection that statement was made. Its possible General Bee was disgusted with Jackson not seeming to move foward from his viewpoint. Or it may have been said in complete admiration as to Jackson seeming impenetrable and holding his ground.
Nonetheless, the name struck a chord, not only with the South, but the North as well. Henceforth Tom Jackson was ‘Stonewall’ and his Brigade, the ‘Stonewall Brigade’.
Stonewall commanded the (Shenandoah) Valley District, and there he played the Union Army like a chess master. He was known to show up very surprisingly where the Union forces would least want or expect him. Even the ‘Stonewall Brigade,’ themselves marched relentlessly knowing “no more than the buttons on their coats” where they were going.
Jackson was very keen to fast-pace his brigade to far apart areas to keep different commands of union armies from joining together. This was a talent for which he was very successful.
Through his keen sense of ‘knowing’ what the Union forces were going to do next, his ability to flank and rear the opposing armies was unparalleled.
Though he struggled with his lessons at West Point, Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Jackson certainly proved himself a military genius during the Civil War.
Pickett’s charge.
George E. Pickett and “Pickett’s Charge”
After the first volley of cannonade and shot from Union and Confederate forces were fired at Gettysburg, General Pickett enters the historic scene. He is well known for leading the famous and very courageous charge at Gettysburg.
Having rode up to Longstreet, (who wouldn’t look Pickett in the eye as he knew it was hopeless,) Pickett asked for the order affirming he should charge his brigade, which he did.
It was hopeless as Longstreet already knew. Pickett ended up sitting on his horse in tears as he watched the slaughter.
When later asked to rally his troops, he exclaimed: ”I have no brigade.” Robert E. Lee also wept that evening over the battle.
We all fear failure. At best, this makes us hesitate. At worst, it leads to total stagnation. One of the most common reasons for resistance is fear of the unknown. People will only take active steps toward the unknown if they genuinely believe – and perhaps more importantly, feel – that the risks of standing still are greater than those of moving forward in a new direction. When we talk about comfort zones we’re really referring to routines. We love them. They make us secure.
No single group of men at West Point–or possibly any academy–has been so indelibly written into history as the class of 1846. The names are legendary: Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, George B. McClellan, Ambrose Powell Hill, Darius Nash Couch, George Edward Pickett, Cadmus Marcellus Wilcox, and George Stoneman.
The class fought in three wars, produced twenty generals, and left the nation a lasting legacy of bravery, brilliance, and bloodshed.
Alright, you West Point graduates, what are some of the more prominent leadership classes from West Point?
So what’s the conclusion? The conclusion is there is no conclusion. There is only the next step. And that next step is completely up to you. But believe in the effectiveness of great leadership. And put it to good use in adapting to changes in your business environment.
It’s up to you to keep improving your ability to lead. Lessons are all around you. In many situations, history may be providing ideas and or inspiration. But the key is in knowing that it is within you already.
It’s up to you to keep improving your leadership learning and experience from all around in your environment.
All you get is what you bring to the fight. And that fight gets better every day you learn and apply new lessons.
When things go wrong, what’s most important is your next step.
Test. Learn. Improve. Repeat.
Are you devoting enough energy to continually improving your continuous learning?
Do you have a lesson about making your learning better you can share with this community? Have any questions or comments to add in the section below?
Mike Schoultz is the founder of Digital Spark Marketing, a digital marketing and customer service agency. With 40 years of business experience, he blogs on topics that relate to improving the performance of your business. Find them on G+, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Digital Spark Marketing will stretch your thinking and your ability to adapt to change. We also provide some fun and inspiration along the way. Call us for a free quote today. You will be amazed how reasonable we will be.
More inspirational stories from Digital Spark Marketing’s Library:
Believe? Do you believe in having dreams? Holding on to them? Here is a story that says never give up on your dreams that we found on several websites (all listed author unknown). We believe it is an excellent story that illustrates the power of holding onto your dreams.
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Imagine you could go back in time and give your 20-year-old self a bit of advice on investing in the creative process, coming up with new ideas, and producing good, fun work.
What would you say?
I have a friend named Monty Roberts who owns a horse ranch in California. From time to time he permitted me to use his home for youth at risk fund raising events.
The last event he introduced me by saying:
I want to tell you why I let Jack use my home for this fund raising. It goes back to a story of a young man who was the son of an itinerant horse trainer, who traveled from town to town training horses. As a result his son’s education was continually interrupted. When he was a senior, he was asked to write a paper about what he wanted to be when he grew up.
That night he wrote a seven page paper describing his goal of someday owning a horse ranch. He wrote about his dream in great detail and he even drew a map of a 200-acre ranch, showing the location of all the buildings, the stables, and the track. He also drew a detailed floor plan for a 4000 square foot home that would be located on the ranch.
He put a great deal of his heart into the project and turned in the paper the next day. Two days later he received his paper back. On the front page was a large red F with a note from his teacher that asked him to see him after class.
The student went to the teacher after class as instructed and asked why he had received the failing grade.
The teacher said:
This is an unrealistic dream for someone like you. You have no money. You come from an itinerant, poor family with few resources. Owning a horse ranch such as this requires a lot of money. There is no way you could ever achieve this dream. Then the teacher told him he would reconsider the grade if the paper was rewritten with a more realistic goal.
The boy went home and thought about what to do next long and hard. He asked father what he should do.
His father said:
Son, you will have to make up your own mind on this. It is a very important decision for you.
Finally after careful thought, the boy turned in the same paper, making NO change. His remark to the teacher was:
You can keep the F and I’ll keep my dream.
Another story for you: A Story About Living as Told by a Six Year Old Boy
My friend Monty then turned to the assembled group and said:
I tell you this story because you are sitting in 4000 square foot house in the middle of my 200 acre ranch. I still have that school paper framed over the fireplace.
The rancher.
He added:
The best part of the story is that two summers ago that same schoolteacher brought 30 kids to camp out on this ranch for a week. When the teacher was leaving, he said: Look, Monty, I can tell you this now.
When I was your teacher, I was something of a dream stealer. During those years I stole a lot of kids’ dreams. Fortunately you had enough gumption not to give on yours.
My takeaway from this story?
Don’t let anyone steal your dreams. Never give up on them, no matter what.
Belief is a powerful word – the state of knowing and feeling certain that something special is coming your way. Through my own personal experience I’ve found that creating that state of certainty – to believe in your dreams – requires 3 steps:
Love what you do
To believe in your dreams, make sure to find what you absolutely love to do and then make it your dream.
Document your goals
When you know exactly what you want, you create a state of absolute certainty – a belief that cuts through any doubt.
To believe in your dreams, you’ve got to know what you want. One of the best ways to figure that out is to write it out.
Wear the enthusiasm your dreams generate
Your dreams take consistent enthusiasm to keep them burning. A small movement or a small action is all you need to keep your that enthusiasm. Take a small action each day to keep it alive. By doing this consistently you’ll start to realize your dreams, one step at a time.
Do you have a lesson from your experience vault for this community?
Need some help in capturing more customers from your marketing or advertising campaigns? Looking for creative ideas to help the differentiation with potential customers?
Call today for a FREE consultation or a FREE quote. Learn about some options to scope your job.
Call Mike at 607-725-8240.
All you get is what you bring to the fight. And that fight gets better every day you learn and apply new ideas.
When things are not what you want them to be, what’s most important is your next step. Call today.
Test. Learn. Improve. Repeat.
Are you devoting enough energy improving your enthusiasm?
Do you have a lesson about making your motivation better you can share with this community? Have any questions or comments to add in the section below?
Digital Spark Marketing will stretch your thinking and your ability to adapt to change. We also provide some fun and inspiration along the way. Call us for a free quote today. You will be amazed how reasonable we will be.
More inspirational stories from Digital Spark Marketing’s Library:
Great Stories and Storytelling Can Have a Very Healing Influence
Mike Schoultz is a digital marketing and customer service expert. With 48 years of business experience, he consults on and writes about topics to help improve the performance of small business. Find him on G+, Facebook, Twitter, Digital Spark Marketing, and LinkedIn.
We love great stories about pets, especially when there are special meanings behind them. That is especially true when the story also involves people in our military. We came across this story of Tank the dog recently. It has since become one of our all-time favorites.
This story, and no doubt there are many more like this in one way or another, showcase love, loyalty, service, and companionship of both our beloved canine companions and our troops. Those men and women, who put their lives on the line so that others like us may live with the freedoms we, more often than not, take for granted.
They told Tom the big black Lab’s name was Reggie as he looked at him lying in his pen. Tom had only been in the area for six months, but everywhere he went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open.
But something was still missing as he attempted to settle into his new life, and he thought a dog couldn’t hurt.
At first, he thought the shelter had misjudged him in giving up Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and Tom didn’t really hit it off when they got home. They struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter said to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that Tom was trying to adjust, too.
For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls – he wouldn’t go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of Tom’s other unpacked boxes.
Tom tried the normal commands the shelter told him he knew, ones like “sit” and “stay” and “come” and “heel,” and Reggie would follow them – when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when his name was called. When he was asked again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.
The relationship just wasn’t working. Reggie chewed a couple of shoes and some unpacked boxes. Tom was a little too stern with him and he resented it. The friction got so bad that Tom couldn’t wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, he was in full-on search mode for his cell phone amid all of his unpacked stuff.
Finally, he found it, but before he could punch up the shelter’s number, he also found Reggie’s pad and other toys from the shelter. Tom tossed the pad in Reggie’s direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm that he’d shown since arriving at his new home.
But then Tom called, “Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I’ll give you a treat.” Instead, he sort of glanced in his direction – maybe “glared” is more accurate – and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down, with little to no interest.
Sleeping dogs and tennis balls.
Well, that’s not going to do it either, Tom thought. And he punched the shelter phone number.
But he hung up when he saw the sealed envelope. It had been completely forgotten and ignored until now. “Okay, Reggie,” Tom said out loud, “let’s see if your previous owner has any advice.”
The note was addressed:
To Whoever Gets My Dog:
Well, I can’t say that I’m happy you’re reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie’s new owner.
I’m not even happy writing it.
My last visit with my dog was when I dropped him at the shelter. He knew something was different… I had packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time… it’s like he knew something was wrong. And something was wrong… which is why I had to try to make it right.
So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.
First, he loves tennis balls, the more the merrier. Sometimes I think he’s a part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn’t done it yet. Doesn’t matter where you throw them, he’ll bound after it, so be careful – really don’t do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.
Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I’ll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones – “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “heel.” He knows hand signals: “back” to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and “over” if you put your hand out right or left. “Shake” for shaking the water off, and “paw” for a high-five. He does “down” when he feels like lying down – I bet you could work on that with him some more.
He knows “ball” and “food” and “bone” and “treat” like nobody’s business.
I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of a hot dog.
Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.
He’s up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they’ll make sure to send you reminders for when he’s due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car – I don’t know how he knows when it’s time to go to the vet, but he knows.
Finally, give him some time. I’ve never been married, so it’s only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He’s gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn’t bark or complain. He just loves to be around people and me most especially. This means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.
And that’s why I need to share one more bit of info with you….
His name’s not Reggie.
Tank or Reggie?
I don’t know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He’s a smart dog, he’ll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt but I just couldn’t bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I’d never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything’s fine.
Another story for you: Never Give Up Your Dreams
But if someone else is reading it, well… well, it means that his new owner should know his real name. It’ll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you’ll even notice a change in his demeanor if he’s been giving you problems.
His real name is Tank … because that is what I drive.
Again, if you’re reading this and you’re from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn’t make “Reggie” available for adoption until they received word from my company commander.
See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could’ve left Tank with… and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call the shelter…in the “event”… to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he’d do it personally. And if you’re reading this, then he made good on his word.
Well, this letter is getting too downright depressing, even though, frankly, I’m just writing it for my dog. I couldn’t imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family. But still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.
And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.
That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things… and to keep those terrible people from coming over here.
If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades…
All right, that’s enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don’t think I’ll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I’ll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.
Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight – every night – from me.
Thank you, Paul Mallory
Tom folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure he had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously being awarded the Silver Star because he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.
He leaned forward in his chair, rested his elbows on his knees, and said quietly: “Hey, Tank,”. The dog’s head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.
“C’ mere boy.” He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted; searching for the name he hadn’t heard in months.
“Tank,” Tom whispered. His tail swished.
He kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. Tom stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried his face into his scruff and hugged him.
“It’s me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me.”
Tank reached up and licked his cheek. “So whatdaya say we play some ball?” His ears perked again. “Yeah? Ball? Do you like that? Ball?” Tank tore from Tom’s hands and disappeared in the next room.
And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.
My takeaway from this story?
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are … and you can make the difference you may be looking for.
Do you have any stories from the experience vault that you could share with this community?
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Digital Spark Marketing will stretch your thinking and your ability to adapt to change. We also provide some fun and inspiration along the way.
More inspirational stories from Digital Spark Marketing’s Library:
Mike Schoultz is a digital marketing and customer service expert. With 48 years of business experience, he consults on and writes about topics to help improve the performance of a small business. Find him on G+, Facebook, Twitter, Digital Spark Marketing, and LinkedIn.
A female humpback whale had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth. This is her story of giving gratitude.
Another story: Never Give Up Your Dreams
A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands (outside the Golden Gate) and radioed for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so badly off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her…. a very dangerous proposition.
They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.
Importance of expressing gratitude
When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, nudged them, and pushed gently, thanking them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives.
Another story for you: Great Stories and Storytelling Can Have a Very Healing Influence
Giving gratitude
The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.
May you be so fortunate… To be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you.
And, may you always know the joyof giving and receiving gratitude.
So what’s the conclusion? The conclusion is there is no conclusion. There is only the next step. And that next step is completely up to you.
It’s up to you to keep improving your innovation and creativity in advertising designs. Lessons are all around you. In many situations, your competitor may be providing the ideas and or inspiration. But the key is in knowing that it is within you already.
All you get is what you bring to the fight. And that fight gets better every day you learn and apply new lessons.
When things go wrong, what’s most important is your next step.
Test. Learn. Improve. Repeat.
Are you devoting enough energy improving your inspirations stories?
Do you have a lesson about making your stories better you can share with this community? Have any questions or comments to add in the section below?
Mike Schoultz is the founder of Digital Spark Marketing, a digital marketing and customer service agency. With 40 years of business experience, he blogs on topics that relate to improving the performance of your business. Find them on G+, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Digital Spark Marketing will stretch your thinking and your ability to adapt to change. We also provide some fun and inspiration along the way. Call us for a free quote today. You will be amazed how reasonable we will be.
More inspirational stories from Digital Spark Marketing’s Library:
