Colonel Nicholson, unforgettably portrayed by Alec Guiness, in The Bridge On the River Kwai is a fascinating character. Fearless, beloved by his men, he is in many ways an admirable, even heroic, man.
However, by agreeing to efficiently build the bridge that can only aid the Japanese war effort, after he wins his battle that his officers will not do manual labor but will lead their men, he betrays the whole reason for his men and him being in the British Army. Focusing on relatively minor things while forgetting the whole purpose of an organization always leads to disaster.
“Focusing on relatively minor things [climate change, environmentalism, social justice, wealth redistributionism, etc] while forgetting the whole purpose of an organization [salvation of souls from the fires of hell] always leads to disaster.”
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Jorge Bergoglio – Pope Francis – in a nutshell.
Besides loving this movie for its drama and patriotism, I have a special place for it, having been at that one scene’s place–the Mt. Lavina Hotel in Ceylon–on my way back from Korea in 1953. What a paradise it was. (You had to swap your beer-taste for British gin)
“Focusing on relatively minor things while forgetting the whole purpose of an organization always leads to disaster.”
This wisdom does awaken thoughts, that the purpose, the mission of God’s Catholic Church is to save souls from sin, not have Caesar transfer wealth in a futile attempt at solving poverty…..
One of Guiness’ (hope I have not run afoul of The Apostrophe Protection Society) best roles.
Any one who has lived in an Asian country that was attacked or over run by the Japs gets this movie.
“Focusing on relatively minor things while forgetting the whole purpose of an organization always leads to disaster.” Isn’t this the Obama and his Administration’s MO? Although he isn’t forgetting; he is purposeful.