[PW] Inexperienced people in occupations who then excel at them

[Andrew Warren]

Edith Bailes wrote:

> Two examples from the Revolutionary War immeidately spring to mind:
> 
> Benedict Arnold, military genius
> Henry Knox, artillery officer
> 
> Neither had had any military experience at all until the war.

Which reminds me of what Napoleon (allegedly) had to say about the value
of experience.  Perhaps your patron will be able to use this:

"Yes, our generals are now very experienced... But, of itself,
experience has little value.  For example, here is an artillery mule
which has not missed a campaign or battle since I left Corsica.  He now
has more combat experience than anyone in all my armies, including
myself... But HE IS STILL AN ARTILLERY MULE!"

-Andrew
=== Andrew Warren  - awarren at synaptics.com
=== Synaptics, Inc - Santa Clara, CA