In 1961, Wing Commander Roger Finlayson gave this speech, considered a splendid example of brevity and inspiration, to a club called The Heretic. We'll leave the background and details to the book. I'd like to post his speech here, since it may help someone work through a challenge.
Or as Blaine Stannard would say--Finlayson's 343-word address just might help you to Start. Capital "S."
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“The only life worth living is one in which we decide on an enterprise—possibly several, but focus is important—and then go on out and achieve it. And enterprises that make a difference in the world around us are to be preferred over those that are purely selfish in orientation.
“Thus, I draw a dichotomy between those people in the world who simply bumble along, minding their own business and that of their neighbours but never contributing a bloody thing to the life of the community around them, and those who have their enterprise.” Finlayson had a wild look in his eyes; they glowed with what seemed an internal light.
“And, as we Heretics know, it all comes down to the status quo. Do we wish to let it stand unaltered? Are we content with it as it is? Or do we see things in the community around us from time to time that, if changed radically, perhaps even if broken entirely, would lead to a happier state for all in this invaluable hamlet in which we reside?
“We who choose to set out on a useful enterprise shall all face challenges; setbacks; even raw danger from time to time. Well, well, my fellow Heretics.”
Here he paused, hands grasping the edges of the podium, eyes staring down those of everyone present in turn. Once his gaze had speared them all he went on. “I feel fear, you feel fear, we all feel fear. We need to get over it. Otherwise we never move forward. My method has always been to consider all the possible outcomes of my actions before I start and, if I can accept them, all of them, well then I proceed without doubting myself. There’s no point to doubting, once we’ve accepted the very worst that can happen! Oh, we strive to avoid that ‘worst;’ we fight with all our powers for a good and successful outcome. But if our gravest fears are realized—then we face them, bravely, and just as we had decided we would at the outset, when we considered them initially.
“The truth, my fellow Heretics, is that if we wish to live a life of enterprise, we have no choice.
“And the horrid truth is, the music is played by a madman. But we have to dance anyway.”