Children Quote by Timothy Findley
““Here was an unknown quantity-a child in breeches with a blue scarf wound around his neck whose job it was to get them out and back alive. This...was the greatest terror of war: what you didn't know of the men who told you what to do-where to go and when. What if they were mad-or stupid? What if their fear was greater than yours? Or what if they were brave and crazy-wanting and demanding bravery from you? He looked away. He thought of being born-and trusting your parents. Maybe that was the same. Your parents could be crazy too. Or stupid. Still-he'd rather his father was with him-telling him what to do. Then he smiled. He knew that his father would take one look at the crater and tell him not to go.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Wars by Timothy Findley, 1977
War forces reliance on uncertain leadership; fear of unknown can be as terrifying as known danger.
In simple terms: Uncertainty in war creates deep fear.
Key Takeaway
Question the reliability of authority.
Themes
war
uncertainty
leadership
fear
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- combat training
- military decision making
- crisis management
- leadership development
Key Concepts
authority
trust
psychology of conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you do if your leader seemed irrational?
- How do you balance fear and bravery?
A Different Perspective
Leaders may also be irrational, making decisions risky.
