100% is not a number, it is a limit. It can be good or it can be bad.
Have we reached a limit?
An 1899 issue of the humor magazine Punch offered a look at 'the coming century,' in
which a genius asked a boy, 'Isn't there a clerk who can examine patents?' The boy replied,
'Quite unnecessary, Sir. Everything that can be invented has been invented.' This was
attributed, unfortunately, to Charles Duell, then Commissioner of the U.S. Patent Office. It
would more likely be in reference to a comment found in a report to Congress in 1843 by an
earlier Patent Office Commissioner, Henry Ellsworth. In it, Ellsworth states, "The
advancement of the arts, from year to year, taxes our credulity and seems to presage the
arrival of that period when human improvement must end."
Actually, Mr. Duell is quoted in 1902 issue of "The Friend" as saying "In my opinion, all
previous advances in the various lines of invention will appear totally insignificant when
compared with those which the present century will witness. I almost wish that I might live
my life over again to see the wonders which are at the threshold." It further mentioned his
expectations in the areas of air conditioning, automobiles, wired and wireless
communications, and electricity in general.
Roger Banister broke the 4-minute mile in 1954. A feat believed impossible. He thought that his primary competitor, John Landy, would actually break the 4-minute mile first, but had lost heart as 4 minutes was a barrier to him. 46 days later, John Landy broke Roger Bannisters record. The lesson here: "Once you stop believing something is impossible, it becomes possible."
While taking engineering classes in college, one professor related how the military pitted the weapons manufacturers against the armor manufacturers, getting each of them to produce the best projectile or armor. This led to depleted uranium shells and explosive armor.
Performance
In 1519 AD, during the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Hernán Cortés, the Spanish commander, scuttled his ships, so that his men would have to conquer or die. They did end up conquering the Aztecs. There are several events of this same tactic in history as a "DO or Die" incentive.
W. Edwards Deming, the pre-emptive quality expert, advised that a company use only one vendor for any specific part, but that they enter into the agreement to work together to produce the part with the highest quality possible and the production output to meet the company's need. Ford Motor Company did just this practice and achieved high quality awards and record profits during their time with Dr. Deming.
Super Human or Hysterical Strength. People lifting cars off of people trapped under them. It may be due to adrenaline or noradrenaline, but it is still super human. I now refer back to the Bannister lesson. Lifting a car off someone, most likely a loved one, is possible, especially if they are a loved one or a child.
When 100% Is Easy
To do something completely is usually easier than to remain partially in the older state, but it takes a commitment. If you have been a smoker and have tried to quit, but not done it 100%, you are probably still a smoker. It takes a commitment to never smoke another cigarette again for the rest of your life. 99% is doomed to failure, 100% commitment is bound for success.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
God bless!
