Always Question the Premise

After World War II, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower served for a time as president of Columbia University. According to one story, a committee of faculty members once asked him to issue a rule prohibiting students from walking on the grass in the main quadrangle.

Before issuing a statement, he asked, “Why do they walk on the grass?”

“Because it’s the shortest way to the central hall from the main entrance,” the committee answered.

“If that’s the way they are going to go,” he said, “then cut a pathway there.”

Eisenhower understood that telling people what not to do isn’t always the best course of action.