From the Summer 2003 Schedule
"Divide et impera"

 “Divide and rule” is the familiar translation of the Latin phrase “Divide et impera.” It is usually applied, with connotations of cunning and ruthlessness, to the world of political power.  But it also has application to other aspects of life, and here the associations are more positive.

It is necessary in life, most people would agree, to have a goal. And, of course, usually a person has not just one goal, but many. The value of a goal is that it gives structure to life. Some goals are obligatory, for instance, that I have to get food so I can eat. Others are individually chosen, for instance, that this summer I wish to polish up my swimming.

Independent of the content of the goal, what is common to the condition “having a goal” is that the focus is on the end result. The tricky part in achieving a goal is that getting there requires a process.

Even just hearing the word “process” may make you, dear reader, feel itchy inside. Because process is all about “little steps” in which you are always “still not there yet.” I guess a certain amount of tension must be inevitable because, when you think about it, goal and process depend on each other.

“Divide et impera” is a fancy phrase for process. When you think of your goal, you might like to remember this phrase. As soon as you can identify the constituent parts of your big challenge, you are well on your way to achieving success.