3 Insights
“I’m learning all the time. My tombstone will be my diploma.” — Eartha Kitt
“When you meet a swordsman, draw your sword. Don’t recite poetry to one who’s not a poet.” — Robert Greene
“Don’t leave anything for later. Later, the coffee gets cold. Later, you lose interest.
Later, the day turns into night. Later, people grow old. Later, life goes by. Later, you regret not doing something…When you had the chance.” — Toshikazu Kawaguchi
What I Learned this Week
Daylight Savings Time (DST) was enacted in the United States following Germany’s 1916 effort to conserve fuel during World War I. Over 100 years old, it was originally mandated for six months. Somehow in 2005, Congress extended DST to begin the second Sunday in March and end the first Sunday in November. As a result, the United States now has eight months of DST, and only four months of standard time (November-March). The United States has also gone through periods of year-round DST, including 1942-1945 and 1974-1975.
According to a study by JP Morgan Chase, there is a drop in economic activity of 2.2-4.9 percent when clocks move back. There are countless studies on sleep deprivation and health effects as well. 100 years is a long time for things not to change. It’s probably time to think about not switching clocks back. Only about 40% of the world’s countries actually observe DST.
Speed vs. Strength
Trying to avenge previous Persian incursions into Greece over 100 years before, Alexander wanted to take the fight to the enemy. By crossing into Asia with his army of Macedonians before the campaigning season, he caught the Persians off guard.
It probably took his army over 7 days to march the almost 700 km to Granicus. Once at the river, his seasoned commanders advised that the Army rest and attack at dawn—as was the tradition of war at the time. Early morning attacks allowed for a full day of fighting.
The Battle of the Granicus took place in May 334 BC. But it was not dawn when Alexander attacked. He urged his men to prepare for battle almost immediately upon their arrival to the Persian camp.
The Persian army was larger, more experienced and gifted with thousands of Greek mercenaries. But on this day, speed mattered more than strength. Alexander led the attack with his cavalry from the middle. He was almost reckless, reportedly wearing the Armor of Achilles that he took from the Temple of Troy. He was a target. But, in the chaos, his cavalry broke through the Persian army. The Macedonian phalanx followed through the gap, causing the Persians to flee.
Overall, the Macedonians lost 400 men; in contrast, 5000 Persians were killed. Alexander’s tactics taught his men that speed and surprise can overcome the advantage of size.
Fast forward a few thousand years…I was talking with a former highspeed operator about tactics and strategy. I asked him how to know when to move with purpose and when to move with caution. He replied with a few words: speed versus strength.
Question to Reflect on
Q: What do I have planned for today that fills me up with hope and energy?
The Real Con 104