Naval Quote by John D. Barrow
““Navy: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid a collision. Civilian: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to South to avoid a collision. Navy: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert your course. Civilian: No, I say again, divert your course. Navy: This is the aircraft carrier Enterprise. We are a large warship of the US Navy. Divert your course now!! Civilian: This is a lighthouse. Your call.” Canadian naval radio conversation38””
About This Quote
Source Radio transcript: Canadian naval radio conversation, unknown date
A humorous exchange shows the absurdity of authority when a lighthouse confronts a massive warship, exposing the limits of power.
In simple terms: Even powerful forces can be outwitted by simple truth.
Key Takeaway
Question authority when it ignores reality.
Themes
authority
communication
humor
absurdity
Mood
wry
satirical
Type
dialogue
humorous
When to use this quote
- military protocol
- civilian navigation
- emergency response
- media satire
Key Concepts
power dynamics
conflict resolution
miscommunication
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you faced an absurd power struggle?
- What can humor reveal about authority?
A Different Perspective
Power can be challenged by simple facts; authority isn’t always decisive.
![“Matt Lauer asked her [Hillary Clinton] tough questions, in fact, questions that should have been asked and followed up on by the FBI in their investigation where they came to a rosy conclusion. So to me, this was actually very helpful. And I think obviously it was big moment there, right out of…” quote by Kimberly Guilfoyle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fa1/kimberly-guilfoyle-2964_bats_matt-lauer-asked-her-hillary-clinton-tou_160941.jpg)
