優柔不断

解説

付記

「迅速な攻撃決断は見事だった」 ある時、グラント将軍はグレンジャー将軍に言った。 「わずか五分で判断を下したのだな」 「はい、閣下。緊急時に即座に決めることこそ肝要です。 攻撃か退却か迷うとき、私は一瞬もためらいません――コインを投げます」 「まさか、このときもそうしたのか？」 「はい、将軍。だがお願いです、叱らないでください。 今回は――コインの指示に従わなかったのです」

管理人コメント

Original

The chief element of success; "for whereas," saith Sir Thomas Brewbold, "there is but one way to do nothing and divers way to do something, whereof, to a surety, only one is the right way, it followeth that he who from indecision standeth still hath not so many chances of going astray as he who pusheth forwards"—a most clear and satisfactory exposition of the matter.

Additional notes

Your prompt decision to attack, said General Grant on a certain occasion to General Gordon Granger, "was admirable; you had but five minutes to make up your mind in." Yes, sir, answered the victorious subordinate, "it is a great thing to know exactly what to do in an emergency. When in doubt whether to attack or retreat I never hesitate a moment—I toss up a copper." Do you mean to say that's what you did this time? Yes, General; but for Heaven's sake don't reprimand me: I disobeyed the coin.