The four Commando qualities

This is one of a series of articles on lessons from Commando training.  Here is the full list.

Life is mostly froth and bubble,

Two things stand like stone,

Kindness in another's trouble,

Courage in your own.

Adam Lindsay Gordon wrote these words in "Ye Wearie Wayfarer", and they sum up the Commando qualities that every Royal Marine aims to live up to. Each line of the poem covers one of the four qualities:

Cheerfulness

Determination

Unselfishness

Courage

Together these qualities define Commando Spirit. But like Adam Lindsay Gordon I think they apply far beyond the Royal Marines - they form the bedrock of a good attitude to all aspects of life - and the poem captures them very succinctly. If you have any poetic advice for how to lead a good life, please share them below!

This is one of a series of articles on lessons from Commando training.  Here is the full list.