Perception

Two battleships assigned to the training squadron had been at sea on manoeuvres in heavy weather for several days. The visibility was poor with patchy fog, so the Captain remained on the bridge keeping an eye on all activities. Shortly after dark, the lookout on the bridge reported, "Light, bearing on the starboard (right side) bow." 

"Is it steady or moving astern?", the captain called out.

 

Lookout replied, "Steady, Captain," which meant they were on a dangerous collision course with that ship.

 

The captain then called to the signalman, “Signal that ship: We are on a collision course, advise you to change course 20 degrees."

 

Back came the signal, "Advisable for you to change course 20 degrees."

 

The captain said," Send, I am a Captain of the Navy, change course 20 degrees." 

"I am a Seaman 2nd Class," came the reply. "You had better change course 20 degrees immediately."

 

By that time the captain was furious. He spat out, "Send, I am a battleship. Change course 20 degrees now."

 

Back came the flashing light, "I am a lighthouse."

 

The battleship changed course.

💡 The Lesson

We can see reality that is superseded by our limited perception - a reality that is as critical for us to understand in our daily lives as it is for the captain in the fog. Sometimes, we assume we are in control based on our position, experience, or authority. However, reality doesn’t always conform to our assumptions. Take judgement calls only after you have a clear vision of things in front of you. True wisdom lies in recognizing when to adjust our course rather than insisting the world bends to our will.

“The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.” – Robertson Davies 

📌 Reflection 

Did you feel the paradigm shift experienced by the captain and by yourself as you read the account? It puts the situation in a totally different light isn't it? Have there been moments in your life where you insisted on being right, only to later realize you were looking at things the wrong way? What did you learn from that experience?

🔖 Disclaimer

“This story has been collected from various sources over time. The original author is unknown. If you are the rightful owner of this content, please reach out for due credit or removal.”

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