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"I divide my officers into four groups. There are clever, diligent, stupid, and lazy officers. Usually two characteristics are combined. Some are clever and dil
by tiatia 14y ago
"I divide my officers into four groups. There are clever, diligent, stupid, and lazy officers. Usually two characteristics are combined. Some are clever and diligent -- their place is the General Staff. The next lot are stupid and lazy -- they make up 90 percent of every army and are suited to routine duties. Anyone who is both clever and lazy is qualified for the highest leadership duties, because he possesses the intellectual clarity and the composure necessary for difficult decisions. One must beware of anyone who is stupid and diligent -- he must not be entrusted with any responsibility because he will always cause only mischief." Kurt von Hammerstein-Equordn (German General)
- rhizome 14y agoRelated: The Gervais Principle http://www.ribbonfarm.com/2009/10/07/the-gervais-principle-or-the-office-according-to-the-office/ http://www.ribbonfarm.com/2009/10/07/the-gervais-principle-o...
- kator 14y agoThat's an awesome quote. I couldn't agree more. lazy and clever people find ways to solve problems that most people never try because they are too clever. But at the same time these clever/lazies will spend 100's of hours trying to solve a problem that can be done 10 times in 10 hours. But once they break through they can do it in 10 seconds and laugh as they click in joy and laugh at the fool who is still doing it in 10 hours... :)