Crossing the Rubicon

Pompey the Great was ruler of the Roman Empire.  His most important field general was Julius Caesar. Caesar had some differences with Pompey, and was considering marching on the capital to take matters into his own hands. In 49 B.C. Caesar came to the Rubicon, a small river in Northern Italy that served as his territorial boundary line. It was the line across which no general was ever allowed to pass without special permission from the Senate. If Caesar crossed the Rubicon it would be with the idea of making the entire Roman Empire subject to his will.

That was a momentous decision. It would immediately precipitate a civil war and divide the world between Pompey and Caesar. Caesar knew what the consequences would be if he tried and failed. He knew that many lives would be lost, in any event. Surely he must have hesitated before arriving at so great a decision, for he knew there could be no hesitation after the decision was made. Caesar carefully considered every angle. He explored every possible option. He reflected on every possible alternative. Then he made up his mind. He would march on Rome.

One part of Caesars power came from his ability to analyze a situation; another part came because of his habit to always finish what he started. Caesar said, “The die is cast.” That expression marked the point where deliberation ended and action began. There would be no turning back. Then Caesar threw himself into the waters of the Rubicon at the head of his legion and the whole history of the world was changed.

Lesson Learned…

Once we make a solid decision every contrary thought should be banished. No energy should then be wasted in doubts, fears, or reconsideration’s, and nothing should then be left undone which would otherwise help to bring about the projected accomplishment. Far too many of us are guilty and affiliated with the trait of making partial decisions; doing things “half ass”.  Until a firm resolve has been reached very little progress is made.  As David Glasgow Farragut (July 5, 1801 – August 14, 1870) is so well remembered for saying “Damn the torpedoes; full steam ahead“.