I HAVE NO AMBITION IN THIS WORLD BUT ONE, AND THAT IS TO BE A FIREMAN. THE POSITION MAY, IN THE EYES OF SOME, APPEAR TO BE A LOWLY ONE; BUT THOSE WHO KNOW THE WORK WHICH A FIREMAN HAS TO DO BELIEVE HIS IS A NOBEL CALLING. OUR PROUDEST MOMENT IS TO SAVE... LIVES. UNDER THE IMPULSE OF SUCH THOUGHTS THE NOBILITY OF THE OCCUPATION THRILLS US AND STIMULATES US TO DEEDS OF DARING, EVEN OF SUPREME SACRIFICE.

Edward F. Crocker
Chief of Department
FDNY
1899-1911

It is not good to settle into a set of opinions. It is a mistake to put forth effort and obtain some understanding and then stop at that. At first putting forth great effort to be sure that you have grasped the basics, then practicing so that they may come to fruition is something that will never stop for your whole lifetime. Do not rely on following the degree of understanding that you have discovered, but simply think, "This is not enough."



One should search throughout his whole… Continue