Herman Wouk Quotes

Life is too short to permit of wasting any portion of it in discussion with…anyone whose conception of the underlying principles of military administration is so hazy that he can advocate such proposition seriously. A proposition of this kind would be regarded as remarkable if advanced by a state militiaman.

The Navy is a master plan designed by geniuses for execution by idiots. If you're not an idiot, but find yourself in the Navy, you can only operate well by pretending to be one.

Obedience to authority saves many skins

The undignified mania of adaptive conformity, exhibited by many of my kinsmen, has always been very repulsive to me.

What we call “morals” is simply blind obedience to words of command.

The genius of a good leader is to leave behind him a situation which common sense, without the grace of genius, can deal with successfully.

In the military you do not get points for creativity. You get points for obedience.

Any fool can make a rule And any fool will mind it.

Sport doesn't work on knee-jerk reactions.

One thing I admire about the Eagles is they always seem to know what they want. They always seem to know why they want it. They always seem to want it at the same time.

I like to think that I'm extremely method with my tactics on getting work.

Throughout history, the organizational evolution of the military has been inextricably linked with that of the business world.

Working for the screen is almost like being in the Army: you set your mind to it, and you do it.

I let the game come to me. I just try to read plays. I don't like taking bad shots. I want the best shot for the team.

I am good at conceptualizing and building institutions.

I just do what the coach asks.

All I do is get up in the morning and go where I'm told to go.

I've realised what my strengths are and what my strengths are not, and played accordingly.

You win football games by first getting possession and then running 3- and 5-yard plays. Not by Hail Mary passes. Common sense, elbow grease, and keeping a positive attitude.

People with military experience seem to do very well in these situations. They've been taught that they can control their destiny, which is half the battle. They also have some experience in getting out of bad situations even if just through training. They know they have to make a plan and follow it and execute it.

Always have a plan and believe in it. I tell my coaches not to compromise. Nothing good happens by accident. There must be a plan for everything and the plan will prevent you from overlooking little things. By having that plan, you'll be secure and self-doubts will never become a factor.

Obedience is the path to freedom.

Thea was still under the belief that public opinion could be placated; that if you clucked often enough, the hens would mistake you for one of themselves.

There are good reasons for being obedient, but being unable to be disobedient is not one of the best reasons.

People who consistently win have a clear and thoughtful strategy. They know what they need to do and when they need to do it. They write it down so they stay on course, and avoid any alternative that does not get them closer to the finish line.