Harry Emerson Fosdick on decisions

A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.

I would rather live in a world where my life is surrounded by mystery than live in a world so small that my mind could comprehend it.

One must have the adventurous daring to accept oneself as a bundle of possibilities and undertake the most interesting game in the world — making the most of one’s best.

The time to take counsel of your fears is before you make an important battle decision. That’s the time to listen to every fear you can imagine! When you have collected all the facts and fears and made your decision, turn off all your fears and go ahead.

George S. Patton1885–1945

• Fear

When we are debating an issue, loyalty means giving me your honest opinion, whether you think I’ll like it or not. Disagreement, at this stage, stimulates me. But once a decision has been made, the debate ends. From that point on, loyalty means executing the decision as if it were your own.

Colin Powell1937–2021

Ever notice that ‘what the hell’ is always the right decision?

Marilyn Monroe1926–1962

• Risk