Veteren's Day 2005 II
Nov. 13th, 2005 07:12 pmI tend to eschew phrases or sayings; experience has taught me the merry steeplechase we call life is too rich and complex to be reduced to a couple of dozen words. However, to every rule there is an exception and mine is The Stockdale Paradox.
Most people who remember Adm. James Stockdale at all, remember him as the (seemingly) doddering old man who was Ross Perot's running mate. This image is a grave disservice to a man who embodied traits like courage, honor and strength. He was captured and taken as a prisoner of war and subjected to both physical and mental torture. He was the highest ranking office held in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" and as such took on the responsibility of organizing the men and creating a protocol that helped many of the men survive their torture. When he was asked how he got through the ordeal, he related what became known as The Stockdale Paradox:
Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties.
and at the same time
Confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.
I learned about this in a management class but this idea kept me afloat through my cancer diagnosis and treatment and and continues to keep me focused through my separation and divorce. I suspect that I'll fall back on it a few more times in my life.
No matter how you feel about the Vietnam War, it's hard to read his story and not walk away thinking Admiral Stockdale was a hero. I hope I can be a heroic and brave in the face of adversity.
Below are a couple of links that tell Adm Stockdale's harrowing story in detail.
( Admiral James Stockdale - Details of His Capture and Imprisonment )
Discussion of 'The Stockdale Paradox' by Jim Collins.
Most people who remember Adm. James Stockdale at all, remember him as the (seemingly) doddering old man who was Ross Perot's running mate. This image is a grave disservice to a man who embodied traits like courage, honor and strength. He was captured and taken as a prisoner of war and subjected to both physical and mental torture. He was the highest ranking office held in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" and as such took on the responsibility of organizing the men and creating a protocol that helped many of the men survive their torture. When he was asked how he got through the ordeal, he related what became known as The Stockdale Paradox:
Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties.
and at the same time
Confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.
I learned about this in a management class but this idea kept me afloat through my cancer diagnosis and treatment and and continues to keep me focused through my separation and divorce. I suspect that I'll fall back on it a few more times in my life.
No matter how you feel about the Vietnam War, it's hard to read his story and not walk away thinking Admiral Stockdale was a hero. I hope I can be a heroic and brave in the face of adversity.
Below are a couple of links that tell Adm Stockdale's harrowing story in detail.
( Admiral James Stockdale - Details of His Capture and Imprisonment )
Discussion of 'The Stockdale Paradox' by Jim Collins.