January 07, 2009

Discernment: Born To Or Developed?


"Opportunities are seldom labeled."

John A. Shedd
2nd President and Chairman of Marshal Field and Company

Nor are looming disasters. It is up to us to see which is which, ideally before they are obviously one or the other to everyone else.

This quote was part of a group entitled "Discernment"; a word you don't often hear, a word the dictionary defines as "acuteness of judgment and understanding."


Having acute judgment and understanding is a very, very good thing particularly when one's ability in both is both contrary to what the majority thinks
and proves correct.

But I don't think it just happens. Those who are more often than not right are so because they go about forming their opinions differently than do the rest of us.

They consciously, methodically reach their decisions.


1 comment :

  1. Right now it appears fear is driving more decisions than is conscious, methodical thought.

    But you are right. Particularly in difficult times it is critical to take a deep breath and think about what must happen next.

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