Be a Fighter Not Fencer

To be successful, one must be fully prepared by knowing their work and the required knowledge inside and out. Admiral Hyman Rickover, the father of the nuclear navy, exemplified this by not needing to prepare for important hearings because he was always prepared. He knew his science and his department so well that he personally interviewed candidates and tested every nuclear submarine. This concept is further supported by the analogy of a fencer versus a fighter made by Marcus Aurelius. A fencer has to put on armor and pick up a weapon, while a fighter just has to close their fist. Similarly, we should not be cramming or seeking advice during times of crisis. Instead, we should focus on being fully prepared beforehand by having the necessary knowledge and skills readily available. Rushing or looking for tools at the last minute denotes being already too late or defeated. Therefore, to succeed, we must know our work inside and out, living and breathing it.