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Business Quote by James A. Michener

“Where, indeed? Captain Vincent Reed had been born in the city of Richmond, Virginia, of northern parents who were stationed there by the telegraph company. He had attended West Point and he thought he knew something about warfare, having served under General Pope in his long and futile struggle…” quote by James A. Michener
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““Where, indeed? Captain Vincent Reed had been born in the city of Richmond, Virginia, of northern parents who were stationed there by the telegraph company. He had attended West Point and he thought he knew something about warfare, having served under General Pope in his long and futile struggle against General Stonewall Jackson. Those men were fighters who would face the enemy till the last bullet was fired, but neither would participate in such a slaughter. Reed had had his troops in position. He was quite prepared to rush in for the kill, and he had positioned himself so that he would be in the vanguard when his men made their charge against the guns of the young braves threatening the left flank. But when he saw that the enemy had no weapons, that even their bows and arrows were not at hand, and that he was supposed to chop down little girls and old women, he rebelled on the spot, taking counsel with no one but his own conscience.””

James A. Michener

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Bridge at Andau, 1975

A commander refuses to kill defenseless civilians, choosing conscience over orders.

In simple terms: He stops a massacre because it feels wrong.

Key Takeaway

Listen to moral conscience over blind obedience.

Themes

morality leadership war conscience

Mood

conflicted determined

Type

ethical historical

When to use this quote

  • military command
  • civilian protection
  • ethical decision-making

Key Concepts

ethical duty humanity civilian protection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you do if orders conflicted with your ethics?
  • How can leaders foster moral courage?
A Different Perspective

Blind obedience can lead to atrocities.

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