Change Quote by Barbara Tuchman
““[Blinker] Hall, operating on the quaint theory that the Navy might be needed for battle and that whatever increased the ship's efficiency was a criterion for change, had continued trampling on the toes of orthodoxy.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Guns of August, 1962
Traditional naval doctrine resisted innovation, hindering efficiency improvements despite clear benefits.
In simple terms: Old ideas blocked new ship efficiencies.
Challenge entrenched norms to embrace useful change.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- military reform
- technology adoption
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What incentives can overcome institutional resistance?
- How can leaders balance tradition with necessary innovation?
Change can be slowed by fear of losing established power structures.