“In times of crisis individuals discover unsuspected strength and reveal capacity for bravery, endurance, generosity and loyalty beyond all expectation… sometimes capabilities remain hidden simply because the circumstances of life do not evoke them… but sometimes the gifts have been buried by early defeat and harsh treatment, or layered over by cynicism, or held inactive by self doubt… the battles we wage… are not just exercises in compassion. They are battles for the release of human talent and energy.

- Noted by John Gardner

The important task rarely must be done today, or even this week. . . The urgent task calls for instant action. . .The momentary appeal of these tasks seems irresistible and important, and they devour our energy. But in the light of time’s perspective, their deceptive prominence fades; with a sense of loss we recall the vital task we pushed aside. We realize we’ve become slaves to the tyranny of the urgent.

- Charles Hummel