Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead !

Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead !

I have read that expression many times in novels, especially techno-thrillers.

To me, the meaning was unmistakable.

Until I saw an explanation of where the expression comes from.

Cause, when you think about it for a second, it's a weird expression.

I mean, most of the time, well at least in Hollywood movies, the torpedoes come one at a time.

The expression was used before the submarines came into existence.

"What", some of you might say ? "But, if there were no submarines, there couldn't be torpedoes".

It all depends on the meaning of the word.

Here's a link that explains the origin of the expression.

http://www.answers.com/topic/damn-the-torpedoes-album

In my case, the phrase "You can take..." applies also to APSense. :)

Sorry, I digressed.

As you saw if you clicked on the link, in 1864, mines were called torpedoes.

So, it was stupid or damn right suicidal to charge into waters full of mines.

If you allow me, I will get to the point of the article.

Yes, I know, it wasn't clear that I was getting somewhere else than the meaning of the expression.

You see, it applies to the way I've acted here at APSense on many occasions.

In my enthusiasm. I had forgotten that some people were deeply involved in their own projects when I started talking to them about business projects we could do together.

Most people simply said "Sorry Philippe, I have no time, too busy". I have no problem with that.

Others reacted more strongly than that and I took it personally instead of reading between the lines.

Yes, they might be interested, but they had to adjust their schedule, or worse, they thought I was a fool because sometimes, I don't use the conventional roads of thinking.

I admit, sometimes, I am simply a fool. :)

From now on, instead of not caring about  the torpedoes, I will send my biz friends ahead of me.

LOL

I'm kidding :)