But in the military you don't get trusted positions just because of your ability. You also have to attract the notice of superior officers. You have to be liked. You have to fit in with the system. You have to look like what the officers above you think that officers should look like. You have to think in ways that they are comfortable with. The result was that you ended up with a command structure that was top-heavy with guys who looked good in uniform and talked right and did well enough not to embarrass themselves, while the really good ones quietly did all the serious work and bailed out their superiors and got blamed for errors they had advised against until they eventually got out. That was the military. Orson Scott Card
About This Quote

The military can be a great way to learn about leadership. However, the military is not the place for everyone. The military can become very rigid and you must exhibit certain qualities in order to succeed. You also must know when to get out of the military and when to get back in. Those who are not cut out for the military may find that they don't fit in with their peers.

Source: Enders Shadow

Some Similar Quotes
  1. Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people. - Roy T. Bennett

  2. Friends are the family you choose (~ Nin/Ithilnin, Elven rogue). - Jess C. Scott

  3. Most of us must learn to love people and use things rather than loving things and using people. - Roy T. Bennett

  4. And when all the wars are over, a butterfly will still be beautiful. - Ruskin Bond

  5. It often occurs that pride and selfishness are muddled with strength and independence. They are neither equal nor similar; in fact, they are polar opposites. A coward may be so cowardly that he masks his weakness with some false personification of power. He is afraid... - Criss Jami

More Quotes By Orson Scott Card
  1. In the moment when I truly understand my enemy, understand him well enough to defeat him, then in that very moment I also love him. I think it’s impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they believe, and not love them the way...

  2. Life is full of grief, to exactly the degree we allow ourselves to love other people.

  3. You’re not a human being until you value something more than the life of your body. And the greater the thing you live and die for the greater you are.

  4. You're a monster. Thanks. Does this mean I get a raise? No, just a medal. The budget isn't inexhaustable.

  5. Peter, you're twelve years old. I'm ten. They have a word for people our age. They call us children and they treat us like mice.

Related Topics