--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is just one problem, Captain,” the…" description: "\"“There is just one problem, Captain,” the President said quietly. “I can’t order you to undertake such a covert project. It’s dangerous, could get you ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f4/derek-hart-31110_young-man_there-is-just-one-problem-captain-the-pr_2370910.jpg" --- # There is just one problem, Captain,” the President said… ![“There is just one problem, Captain,” the President said quietly. “I can’t order you to undertake such a covert project. It’s dangerous, could get you court-martialed and is probably illegal.” “But you could ask me as a favor, Mr. President,” Brock replied. FDR grinned again, his signature broad…” quote by Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f4/derek-hart-31110_young-man_there-is-just-one-problem-captain-the-pr_2370910.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f4/derek-hart-31110_young-man_there-is-just-one-problem-captain-the-pr_2370910.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f4/derek-hart-31110_young-man_there-is-just-one-problem-captain-the-pr_2370910.jpg) > ““There is just one problem, Captain,” the President said quietly. “I can’t order you to undertake such a covert project. It’s dangerous, could get you court-martialed and is probably illegal.” “But you could ask me as a favor, Mr. President,” Brock replied. FDR grinned again, his signature broad smile putting a wonderful sparkle in his eye. “Would you do this for me, as a personal favor, young man?” Brock nodded emphatically. “Yes, sir. It would be an honor.”” [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A president coverts a covert, risky mission, highlighting moral and legal dilemmas. **In simple terms:** Authority can request illegal, dangerous actions. Key Takeaway Weigh moral duty against legal risk. Themes power ethics law military obedience Mood tense ethical Type dramatic philosophical When to use this quote - military orders - whistleblowing - political pressure - legal counsel Key Concepts political science ethics law military strategy Questions to Reflect On - Is it ever justified to break the law for a higher purpose? - How should leaders balance secrecy and legality? A Different Perspective Legal consequences may outweigh personal loyalty. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Brock Nodded](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brock-nodded-5838008/) [Brock Replied](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brock-replied-5838009/) [Fdr Grinned](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fdr-grinned-5838005/) [President Brock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/president-brock-5838006/) [Replied Fdr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/replied-fdr-5838007/) [Young man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/young-man/) ## Related quotes > [“She knew how to play him so very well. He slipped his hand around hers. "Friends," he repeated roughly. 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He couldn't remember the last time this boy, this young man, had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nora-roberts/sorry-bad-wing-when-theo-kissed-him-surprise-and-pleasure-flustered/) [Nora Roberts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nora-roberts/) > [“Not to mention that I have finally arrived at that age where a woman starts to question whether the wisest way to get over…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-gilbert/not-to-mention-that-i-have-finally-arrived-at-that-age-where-a-woman/) [Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-gilbert/) > [“As a successful young man, I have developed myself to a level where physiological needs, safety and security needs, social needs and ego needs…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anyaele-sam-chiyson/as-a-successful-young-man-i-have-developed-myself-to-a-level-where/) [Anyaele Sam Chiyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anyaele-sam-chiyson/) > [ \[D\]on't grow old. With age comes caution, which is another name for cowardice… Whatever else you do in life, don't cultivate a conscience. Without… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hesketh-pearson/d-on-t-grow-old-with-age-comes-caution-which-is-another-name-for/) [Hesketh Pearson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hesketh-pearson/) > [“He wants to dream like a young man with the wisdom of a old man, he wants his home and securities, he wants to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-seger/he-wants-to-dream-like-a-young-man-with-the-wisdom-of-a-old-man-he/) [Bob Seger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-seger/) > [Young men have strong passions and tend to gratify them indiscriminately. Of the bodily desires, it is the sexual by which they are most…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aristotle/young-men-have-strong-passions-and-tend-to-gratify-them/) [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) > [“He’d parted reluctantly from Amily, thinking again with envy of Lena and Bear. 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Before I got out of the car he said, 'They're scared…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/masego/melanin-man-was-inspired-by-the-words-of-an-uber-driver-in-l-a-before/) [Masego](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/masego/) > [ The young man \[Turgot\] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-dickson-white/the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecclesiastical-career-was-placed/) [Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-dickson-white/) > [“Love them all," said Renoir. "That is the secret, young man. Love them all." The painter let go of his arm and shrugged. "Then,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-moore/love-them-all-said-renoir-that-is-the-secret-young-man-love-them-all/) [Christopher Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-moore/) > [“But if you will not take this Counsel, and persist in thinking a Commerce with the Sex inevitable, then I repeat my former Advice,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-franklin/but-if-you-will-not-take-this-counsel-and-persist-in-thinking-a/) [Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-franklin/) ## More by Derek Hart > [“Every day at 4:00 PM, Thaddeus Osbert serves tea. After all, he is a very proper dragon. Two lumps, milk not cream. He hums…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-hart/every-day-at-4-00-pm-thaddeus-osbert-serves-tea-after-all-he-is-a/) [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) > [“Allow me to introduce myself. 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In that time I have experienced his incredible powers of observation,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-hart/i-ve-had-the-immense-pleasure-of-knowing-thaddeus-for-over-4-years/) [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) > [“Dedicated to black lace thong panties, steaming hot showers, pimento-stuffed green olives and sharp cheddar cheese sliced with a credit card.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-hart/dedicated-to-black-lace-thong-panties-steaming-hot-showers-pimento/) [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) > [“Thaddeus Osbert sat in the middle of my office, scrunched over so he could fit. He looked me right in the eye and said,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-hart/thaddeus-osbert-sat-in-the-middle-of-my-office-scrunched-over-so-he/) [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) > [“The universe said, “You’re almost there, just a few more steps.” I agreed and took those steps. However, my definition of the distance was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-hart/the-universe-said-you-re-almost-there-just-a-few-more-steps-i-agreed/) [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) > [“I was an engineer with Fairbanks Morse, Mr. President. I helped design some of the engines in their locomotives before the war, but then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-hart/i-was-an-engineer-with-fairbanks-morse-mr-president-i-helped-design/) [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) > [“I have quite a story to tell you,” Parke said with a dramatic flair. “Sit back with that ‘coke’ and listen to the tale…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-hart/i-have-quite-a-story-to-tell-you-parke-said-with-a-dramatic-flair-sit/) [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) > [“No tugs, Number One?” the Captain inquired with a definite inflection to his voice. “You’re well aware that I shall receive a complaint upon…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-hart/no-tugs-number-one-the-captain-inquired-with-a-definite-inflection-to/) [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) > [“As a wee two hundred-year-old, I decided the south of England was much to my liking. A wee bit warmer and I prefer barbecuing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-hart/as-a-wee-two-hundred-year-old-i-decided-the-south-of-england-was-much/) [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) > [“Dragons appear to those who believe, and only then if we wish.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-hart/dragons-appear-to-those-who-believe-and-only-then-if-we-wish/) [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) > [“Raylene bit her bottom lip, but she couldn’t break the connection, not that she wanted to. “Do you really have to keep addressing me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-hart/raylene-bit-her-bottom-lip-but-she-couldn-t-break-the-connection-not/) [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) > [“Did I go out of my way looking for trouble, you ask. Well, not exactly. Perhaps it was the inner voice that warned me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-hart/did-i-go-out-of-my-way-looking-for-trouble-you-ask-well-not-exactly/) [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) > [“Be careful with that bloody great knife. Last time it was around, some oaf stuck me in the arse.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-hart/be-careful-with-that-bloody-great-knife-last-time-it-was-around-some/) [Derek Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) [Explore all 16 Derek Hart quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-hart/) ## More Young man quotes > [“She knew how to play him so very well. He slipped his hand around hers. "Friends," he repeated roughly. Her smile was bright enough…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kathryn-smith/she-knew-how-to-play-him-so-very-well-he-slipped-his-hand-around-hers/) [Kathryn Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kathryn-smith/) > [“Love them all," said Renoir. "That is the secret, young man. Love them all." The painter let go of his arm and shrugged. "Then,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-moore/love-them-all-said-renoir-that-is-the-secret-young-man-love-them-all/) [Christopher Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-moore/) > [ The young man \[Turgot\] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-dickson-white/the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecclesiastical-career-was-placed/) [Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-dickson-white/) > ['Melanin Man' was inspired by the words of an Uber driver in L.A. Before I got out of the car he said, 'They're scared…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/masego/melanin-man-was-inspired-by-the-words-of-an-uber-driver-in-l-a-before/) [Masego](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/masego/) > [“But young men have not only this frivolous ambition of being thought masters of execution, inciting them on the one hand, but also their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/but-young-men-have-not-only-this-frivolous-ambition-of-being-thought/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [For a young man to start his career with a love affair with an older woman was quite de rigueur ... Of course, it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vita-sackville-west/for-a-young-man-to-start-his-career-with-a-love-affair-with-an-older/) [Vita Sackville-West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vita-sackville-west/) > [“He’d parted reluctantly from Amily, thinking again with envy of Lena and Bear. One thing that they hadn’t been forced to deal with during…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-lackey/he-d-parted-reluctantly-from-amily-thinking-again-with-envy-of-lena/) [Mercedes Lackey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-lackey/) > [Young men have strong passions and tend to gratify them indiscriminately. Of the bodily desires, it is the sexual by which they are most…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aristotle/young-men-have-strong-passions-and-tend-to-gratify-them/) [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) > [“He wants to dream like a young man with the wisdom of a old man, he wants his home and securities, he wants to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-seger/he-wants-to-dream-like-a-young-man-with-the-wisdom-of-a-old-man-he/) [Bob Seger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-seger/) > [ \[D\]on't grow old. With age comes caution, which is another name for cowardice… Whatever else you do in life, don't cultivate a conscience. Without… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hesketh-pearson/d-on-t-grow-old-with-age-comes-caution-which-is-another-name-for/) [Hesketh Pearson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hesketh-pearson/) > [“As a successful young man, I have developed myself to a level where physiological needs, safety and security needs, social needs and ego needs…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anyaele-sam-chiyson/as-a-successful-young-man-i-have-developed-myself-to-a-level-where/) [Anyaele Sam Chiyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anyaele-sam-chiyson/) > [“Not to mention that I have finally arrived at that age where a woman starts to question whether the wisest way to get over…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-gilbert/not-to-mention-that-i-have-finally-arrived-at-that-age-where-a-woman/) [Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-gilbert/) > [“Sorry, bad wing." When Theo kissed him, surprise and pleasure flustered him. He couldn't remember the last time this boy, this young man, had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nora-roberts/sorry-bad-wing-when-theo-kissed-him-surprise-and-pleasure-flustered/) [Nora Roberts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nora-roberts/) > [“Risking a glance at the dignified young man beside her- what was his name?- Mr. Arthurson, Arterton?- Pandora decided to try her hand at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-kleypas/risking-a-glance-at-the-dignified-young-man-beside-her-what-was-his/) [Lisa Kleypas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-kleypas/) > [“But if you will not take this Counsel, and persist in thinking a Commerce with the Sex inevitable, then I repeat my former Advice,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-franklin/but-if-you-will-not-take-this-counsel-and-persist-in-thinking-a/) [Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-franklin/) [Browse all 2,387 Young man quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/young-man/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“There is just one problem, Captain,” the President said quietly. “I can’t order you to undertake such a covert project. It’s dangerous, could get you court-martialed and is probably illegal.” “But you could ask me as a favor, Mr. President,” Brock replied. FDR grinned again, his signature broad smile putting a wonderful sparkle in his eye. “Would you do this for me, as a personal favor, young man?” Brock nodded emphatically. “Yes, sir. 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