Safe Harbour On Both Sides

A Floor for the Roof She didn’t scold or threaten him for entering the palace. She simply kept him engaged in light talk for ten whole minutes—enough time for the security guards to arrive and arrest the man. If the Queen had lost her confidence in that moment, it is possible that the next day, the British people would have been mourning the loss of their monarch. In moments of crisis, maintaining your confidence and clarity of mind is crucial. Often, it’s fear and panic that cause people to worsen their own situation. But if a person remains calm, doesn’t lose courage, and keeps their senses alert, they’ll usually find a way to escape the danger. Their mind will come up with some solution—a plan that may save them even at the edge of disaster. The French poet Victor Hugo once said: “Caution is the most promising child of wisdom.” It’s true—many of life’s successes are not the result of emotional reaction, but of careful and deliberate action. There are many aspects to wisdom—and caution is often its greatest sign. But only those who retain their inner confidence can act cautiously even when the situation is difficult—those who don’t allow themselves to be overwhelmed by emotion.