Der versteht und rasch ergreift.

Do not hesitate to be full of daring,

When the crowd irresolute drifts;

All things can the noble accomplish

Who perceives and quickly acts.

(Goethe, Faust, 2d part, Act 1. “Chor der Geister.”)

Franka remembered how at this stanza her father had remarked: “Do you see in how few words the poet sums up the characteristics that make a man a leader and accomplisher? He must be bold and confident and noble; he must have intellect and resolution.”

Von Halbheit halte den Pfad rein,

Der ganze Mann setzt ganze Tat ein

Und wahre Ehre muss ohne Naht sein.