A crucible is a severe test of patience and belief. Whether the crucible experience is an apprenticeship, an ordeal, or some combination of both, we came to think of it much like the hero’s journey that lies at the heart of every myth, from The Odyssey to Erin Brockovich. It is both an opportunity and a test. It is a defining moment that unleashes abilities, forces crucial choices and sharpens focus. It teaches a person who he or she is. People can be destroyed by such an experience. But those who are not emerge from it aware of their gifts and goals, ready to seize opportunities and make their future. Whether the crucible was harrowing or not, it is seen by the individual as the turning point that set him or her on the desired, even inevitable, course.

— Bennis and Thomas, Geeks and Geezers: How era, values and defining moments shape leaders. Quoted by Irine Yu in encouraging e-mail.

Intuition does not always appear as the ingenious breakthrough or something grandiose. Intuitive thoughts, feelings, and solutions often manifest themselves as good old common sense. Common sense is efficient.

— Doc Childre and Bruce Cryer, From Chaos to Coherence. Quoted by Paul Cadario at seminar on engineering leadership.