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On 11/3/2017 11:43 AM, Tony Oz wrote:
> I thought then (and think the same today) - every mature man should not
> panic at an emergency and try his best to handle the situation.

I believe that is a lesson every man, woman or child should learn. In my
experience it is a mindset you must develop well in advance of needing
it. I recall a story from many decades ago (well before the internet)
that may well have been a urban myth, but nonetheless has probably saved
my bacon (or life) or several occasions.

The story was about testing military pilot candidates or trainees. They
were given a sealed metal box which had screw/bolt heads and seams etc.,
and tools including a hammer. They were instructed they had X amount of
time to open the box.

Some continued to work with the tools until the time expired, others
went for the hammer out of exasperation as the time came close to
expiring. (The reality was the box couldn't possibly be opened with
anything short of a cutting torch, even if one hammered on it the entire
time.)

Whether this was a fitness test or a teaching moment, I don't know. My
takeaway was if you panic things will never get better. If you continue
to try to overcome the problem you at least stand a chance. Fly it all
the way to the ground.

"Don't Panic" --Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

   

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