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The Best Advice I Ever Had In this extract. Konrad Adenauer, who became Chancellor of the Federal
Republic of Germany (West Germany) in 1949, writes about the counsel that
guided him in his long and successful career. The advice was given to him by
his father.
This counsel rang constantly in my ears when I was a boy: "Go the last
mile-and enjoy it." It has stayed with me ever since, comforted me in
difficult times and brought me moments of deep contentment.
It came from my father, who had gained it through experience. As a
young soldier, he did his duty so well that he was made an officer on the
battlefield -- in the Prussian Army an almost unheard-of achievement.
Later, as a law-court clerk, he worked hard and well, earned a free conscience and so at home was a relaxed and contented man. Happiness to
him was simply work's greatest by-product. "Only when you have done
your full duty," he said, "are you completely happy." That is what he meant
by "going the last mile".
Like most youngsters, I would have much preferred
playing ball to conjugating Latin verbs, but Father insisted that mastering my studies was my
chief duty. "Concentrate." he urged me. his pointed beard bristling with
earnestness. "Do not let yourself be diverted until you are finished."
Thanks to his insistence. I did well in school.
At the University of Munich. my clear duty was to complete my studies
as soon as possible in order to help support the family. Night after night I
studied a law-book by the light of a petroleum lamp. When I felt I absolutely
had to go to sleep. I would remember my father's advice and carry on. But
how could I "go the last mile" every night?
Then it came to me. I filled my porcelain wash-basin with water and put
it on the floor beside me. took off my shoes and read on, barefoot. When
my heavy head drooped with sleepiness. I plunged my feet into the cold
water and shocked myself awake. Thanks to this stratagem. I finished the
university in three years instead of four.
My father's counsel has helped me many other times since. I have never
kept office hours. I have found that if you want to go the last mile you don't
hear the clock strike six.
When Nazism came to Germany. I felt duty-bound to oppose it, for I
clearly saw that it could only lead to slavery. Going all the way against it
took me to an SS prison, where my wife and I spent a cheerless silver
wedding anniversary. But I never regretted my stand. The sense of having
done what seemed to me my complete duty gave me an inner serenity more
precious than any physical comfort.In fact, most of the happiness in what to me has been a very happy life
has come, I believe, from the times I have "gone the last mile" and done a
job fully.
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