To expect ... the same service from raw and undisciplined recruits, as from veteran soldiers, is to expect what never did and perhaps never will happen. Men, who are familiarized to danger, meet it without shrinking; whereas troops unused to service often apprehend danger where no danger is.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Expecting untrained recruits to perform like veterans is unrealistic. Experienced soldiers face danger calmly, while new troops often fear threats that do not exist.
- In plain terms
- New soldiers cannot be expected to act like old soldiers.
- What can you take from it?
- Training and experience are necessary before expecting reliable performance under pressure.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you prepare new team members for high pressure situations?
- What expectations are unrealistic for beginners?
Another view
Some individuals may adapt quickly regardless of prior experience.
More from George Washington
I have often though how much happier I should have been, if instead of accepting of a command under such circumstances, I had taken my musket upon my shoulders…
Permalink to quote #7 Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a Freeman, contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavis…
Permalink to quote #9 Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country.
Permalink to quote #6
Related quotes
The officers know that I myself am not ashamed to work at this. ...Suvorov was Major, and Adjutant, and everything down to Corporal; I myself looked into every…
Alexander SuvorovAlexander Suvorov quote #9 To those who say that Wes Clark has never held political office: anyone who can command NATO, and keep all those forces together, and win that war without losi…
Wesley ClarkWesley Clark quote #39 I made all my generals out of mud.
Napoleon BonaparteNapoleon Bonaparte quote #103