At least 500 years of commentary exist on the difficulty of innovation, starting with Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) in The Prince (1513), Chapter 6.
``And let it be noted that there is no more delicate matter to take in hand, nor more dangerous to conduct, nor more doubtful in its success, than to set up as the leader in the introduction of changes. For he who innovates will have for his enemies all those who are well off under the existing order of things, and only lukewarm supporters in those who might be better off under the new.''Niccolò Machiavelli
The Prince
N. H. Thomson, translator
Dover Publications, Inc., New York, 1992, page 13.
Originally published by P. F. Collier & Son, New York, 1910.
`` We must bear in mind, then, that there is nothing more difficult and dangerous, or more doubtful of success, than an attempt to introduce a new order of things in any state. For the innovator has for enemies all those who derived advantages from the old order of things, whilst those who expect to be benefited by the new institutions will be but lukewarm defenders. This indifference arises in part from fear of their adversaries who were favored by the existing laws, and partly from the incredulity of men who have no faith in anything new that is not the result of well-established experience. Hence it is that, whenever the opponents of the new order of things have the opportunity to attack it, they will do it with the zeal of partisans, whilst the others defend it but feebly, so that it is dangerous to rely upon the latter.''Niccolò Machiavelli
The Prince
http://www.bibliomania.com, Chapter 6.
Dear Mr. President,
As we approach the end of the "First 100 days"...I want to commend you on your swift action, decisive decision making and the amount of energy applied to the many 'spiraling out-of-control' circumstances that you inherited in this new global environment, where the world's 'actors' and players are so closely linked.
I watched you address the C.I.A. folks on Monday 4/20/09 and it seemed that you were taking twice as long to convey ideas than your normal measured approach to communication. On Tuesday 4/22/09 It look as if fatigue practically had you 'slurring words'. May I make an urgent recommendation?
Sir - The Great Vince Lambardi once said "Fatigue Does make Cowards of us All...." Even the greatest men need time to rest, reflect and ponder. The pace of the new administration is enviable amongst past presidents and has accomplished more than many presidents have in a 4 or 8 year term.
Remember that you not only came from a grueling 2-year campaign trail, started this administration and its planning months before being elected [as a backup to be prepared and to hit the street 'running' - not out of hubris as your detractors said] and have been immersed in some of the most difficult times for our country since its inception.
Your "First 100 days..." have been about 850 days long so far (Jan 2007-present). When I read "The Audacity of Hope" the first thing that struck me wasn't your deep thought (which impressed me), your knowledge and insight of the 'Big Picture' of the world and politics (which I had recently discovered) or the breadth of your wisdom and understanding of "how things Work" (in the world).
What struck me is the amount of time it took to formulate the ideas, the amount of pondering, thinking and reflection this work took to grasp and put on paper. I saw a quote once attributed to Einstein that said something to the effect of "I often felt like a child who was allowed to dangle my feet in life's ocean and discover all of the wonderful sea shells that the universe contains.." and it was noted that Einstein napped daily to allow his mind to process information (like a computer CPU) so that in reflection comes innovation, in rest comes new context, and in refreshing comes the strength and courage to stand for your convictions.
On Tuesday a quagmire of press confusion was started by ex-vice-president Dick Cheney criticizing your foreign policy. Right behind that came Robert Gibbs, your press Secretary (Who greatly reflects your 'style' of communication and is perfect for the job in your administration) had to 'back peddle' and refer the press back to your statements earlier in the day to ensure congruent communication from your last update and spoken word earlier that day.
A couple of non-working 'Camp David" days are needed - the 'head winds' of change and innovation are coming hard and fast, You need time to THINK (not react) to all that is occurring - and the gueling schedule kept since Nov. 4 is not allowing you to shine at your BEST - or to keep the 'commanding Heights' of political power in your administration on your terms (not the past administration's).
As Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) in The Prince (1513), Chapter 6. said above - there are still 46% who did not vote for even though you are 'polling well', but even those forces within your own party that have ranges of liberal or conservative agendas and issues act in pulling the movement and direction of decision. To that, you need to to weigh, discern and lead (with energy, strength and courage) that rest gives. TNT.
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