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Make things better by making better things.
“We place absolute confidence in the Titanic. We believe the boat is unsinkable.” – White Star Line Vice President P.A.S. Franklin
As news broke that Titanic was in trouble, there were many that refused to believe that it was impossible for a boat with 70,000 tons of steel could ever sink.
Of course, we were wrong. And of course, many died that didn’t need to.
Thomas Andrews, the architect of the Titanic, knew that after four compartments were filled with water the ship would inevitably sink. When he saw five were gone, he didn’t try to bargain or deflect responsibility or even complain about his circumstances. No, he knew he had to make a decision because he couldn’t stay where he was.
Many lives were saved because of Thomas Andrews heroic efforts and many were lost (including his) because of the hubris of man.
Andrews suggested that the Titanic should carry 46 lifeboats but it was rejected. Only 20 were ever put on board. Why? Because if you believed the boat was unsinkable then you wouldn’t need life boats.
There are those out there that refuse to change their minds in the face of truth. On a sinking ship, the status-quo is no longer good enough. We don’t get to choose to stay where we are or keep things the same.