KevinTestOur own Billy wrote an amazing article based on Col Grossman’s evaluation of the three types of people. Billy’s Sheepdog article is one of the most popular articles at Leadership Voices. I am a Police Officer. I consider myself a Sheepdog. I hunt things that go bump in the night. While you sleep, we, sheepdogs, own the night.
There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter. -Ernest Hemingway
Recently, I ran across the Hemingway quote emblazoned on the back of a t-shirt designed for Law Enforcement personnel. The shirt is produced by Certified Wolf Hunter. I thought I would share it with the leadership blogoshpere.
Billy and I had a discussion about this…with our leader Kevin stirring it up.
So are you a Sheepdog…or a Wolf Hunter?
I think of myself as a sheepdog mostly.
But all too often just a sleeping dog.
Just let that sink in a while.
There is nothing wrong with a sleeping dog, I would say, let the sleeping dog lay.
Sunday afternoon’s…a lazy sheep dog.
The rest of the week a wolf hunter.
I guess my background lends itself to a different view of this quote. I do agree with it, however I am not in a position to know whether or not Hemingway was ever a hunter. When we compare this to the Sheepdog principal, I ask that we don’t forget what makes the Sheepdog and the Wolf different. Remember Sheepdogs and Wolves probably look alot alike, but its the compassion for fellow man and the knowledge of the difference between good and evil. The real issue I have with the quote is “….they never care for anything thereafter.” I did what I did, and I pray Rene does what he does, so our loved ones wont ever half too. So the people we care about can sleep peacefully. I dont want anyone I care about, or train with to ever go looking for a fight, because chances are good you will find it. I would like to offer this quote to Kevin, Rene and Wayne, not as a replacement, but as an addition, “The only thing required for evil to prevail, is for good men to do nothing” Edmund Burke.
Billy, very thoughtful response.
I, too, am a little uncomfortable with the quote. I am not a big Hemingway fan in the base case. But I will try not to let that bias my position. But, something about this quote sound a tad pathological to me.
Do not get me wrong, I have the highest respect for what you have done and what Rene is currently doing. One of my dearest friends from our time in the DC area was a police officer. But I take no great comfort from seeing a law enforcement person wearing that T-shirt. In fact, I afraid that it plays into the cultural stereotype that many have.
Your Edmund Burke quote will require a little more thinking on my part before I respond in light of this quote and our dialog.
I guess I was trying to use the Edmund Burke quote as reinforcement of the need for people that are willing to do the hunting, but I want everyone to be sure they pay attention to the GOOD MEN part, as it may have importance when discussing intent or intended audience of Rene’s quote.
First, Allow me to thank Rene for sharing my shirt with the folks here. I discovered this website when I saw that people had purchased the shirt after seeing it here. I really appreciate it.
Thank you, Chris, for commenting and expounding on the Hemingway quote. At leadershipvoices.com, we have many varying opinions. When I first found your shirt, I brought it to the attention of our leadership and it started a passionate conversation among a current police officer, former operator/veteran…and several civilians. My excitement over the shirt wasn’t met as enthusiastically when I presented to like-minded folks. But we are shaped by our experiences and frame of reference. I threw the quote and your design on the web to see what reaction I would receive on our fledgling website. I am honored that you found and commented on the post. I am also VERY glad to hear that our small leadership endeavor was able to translate in to sales for you.
Let there be no mistake…I hunt! As a Law Enforcement Officer/Sheepdog/Wolf Hunter, I totally agree and understand. We have the best seat to the best show in town.
And I wanted to add…I love your FB page…it is such a resource for me.
And I have the Wolf Hunter shirt on my Christmas List.
And as always, Brother…Be safe!
Sheepdog more than wolfhunter. Work as a campus cop, so I have a flock to protect. Don’t get much opportunity to hunt them down.