At last, he began to discourse of fortune and human affairs. “Is it meet,” said he, “for him that knows he is but man, in his greatest prosperity to pride himself, and be exalted at the conquest of a city, nation, or kingdom, and not rather well to weigh this change of fortune, in which all warriors may see an example of their common frailty, and learn a lesson that there is nothing durable or constant? For what time can men select to think themselves secure, when that of victory itself forces us more than any to dread our own fortune? and a very little consideration on the law of things, and how all are hurried round, and each man’s station changed, will introduce sadness in the midst of the greatest joy…can you, I say, believe there is any certainty in what we now possess whilst there is such a thing as chance? No, young men, cast off that vain pride and empty boast of victory; sit down with humility, looking always for what is yet to come, and the possible future reverses which the divine displeasure may eventually make the end of our present happiness.” It is said that Aemilius, having spoken much more to the same purpose, dismissed the young men properly humbled, and with their vainglory and insolence thoroughly chastened and curbed by his address.
-Aemilius Paullus, (two-time consul of the Roman Republic and a noted general) to his sons and charges, after having defeated the Macedonians – Perseus, their King, having thrown himself at the feet of Aemilius. Plutarch, Aemilius Paullus, Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans (c. 75-100 AD) John Dryden translation.
By all accounts, Aemilius Paullus had secured a great victory over Macedonia and even had their King kneel at his feet and “utter(ed) unmanly cries and petitions” id. However, instead of basking in the glow of supremacy, Aemilius brought those closest to him inside his tent and advised them not to place much stock in pride and victory and to instead always look forwards and prepare for the future.
For lawyers, it can be easy to enjoy having won a large case or to feel satisfaction at having closed a deal or merger – kicking back and coasting in the afterglow. But chance (or a granted motion to reconsider) has a way of cutting the legs out from under you when you least expect it. There’s nothing wrong with taking the time to enjoy a hard-fought victory, but to let it fill oneself with overflowing assurance does no one any good. What might have been won today could easily be lost tomorrow and better to prepare for it than to be caught unaware.
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