"A Message to Garcia" is a short essay written by Elbert Hubbard in 1899. The essay is about the importance of initiative and responsibility, and it tells the story of a man named Rowan who is tasked with delivering a message to General Garcia, a leader in the Cuban resistance movement during the Spanish-American War.
The story begins with the President of the United States, William McKinley, asking for a volunteer to take a message to Garcia, who is leading the fight against the Spanish in Cuba. Rowan, a young soldier, is chosen for the task and given the message, which is written on a piece of paper sealed in an envelope.
Rowan does not ask any questions or seek any further instructions. He simply takes the message and sets out to deliver it to Garcia. He travels through dangerous and unfamiliar territory, facing challenges and obstacles along the way, but he never wavers in his determination to complete his mission.
When Rowan finally reaches Garcia, he delivers the message without any fuss or fanfare. He simply hands over the envelope and then returns home.
The message in the envelope was never revealed, but it did not matter. What mattered was that Rowan, through his initiative and responsibility, was able to successfully deliver the message despite any challenges he faced.
"A Message to Garcia" is a powerful reminder of the importance of being proactive and taking ownership of one's responsibilities. It teaches us that we should not wait for someone else to tell us what to do or how to do it, but rather, we should take the initiative to figure things out for ourselves and do what needs to be done.
In today's fast-paced and constantly changing world, the message of "A Message to Garcia" is more relevant than ever. Whether we are at work or in our personal lives, we all have tasks and responsibilities that we need to complete. By being proactive and taking ownership of those tasks, we can make a difference and contribute to the success of our teams and organizations.
In conclusion, "A Message to Garcia" is a timeless message about the importance of initiative and responsibility. It serves as a reminder that we should all be willing to take on challenges and do what needs to be done, without waiting for someone else to tell us what to do. By following the example of Rowan and being proactive and responsible, we can all make a positive impact in the world.
