Purposes of a plan

A plan is a detailed proposal or scheme for achieving a specific goal. In Germany, as in any other country, a plan can serve a variety of purposes, depending on the context in which it is being used. Some possible purposes of a plan might include:

  • Setting out a clear strategy for achieving a particular objective, such as increasing sales or improving efficiency
  • Providing a roadmap for the implementation of a project or initiative, outlining the steps that need to be taken and the resources that will be required
  • Facilitating communication and coordination among team members or stakeholders by clearly outlining roles and responsibilities
  • Allowing for the tracking of progress towards a goal and making adjustments as needed to ensure that the goal is achieved

Plans can be created for personal, business, or organizational purposes, and can range from simple to-do lists to complex, multi-faceted proposals.

Source: ChatGPT. Question: For Germans what is the purpose of a plan?

The Romans in Germany

Salvete! DW Travel host Lukas Stege follows in the Romans’ footsteps through Germany. Accompany him on his journey along the līmes – the border between the Roman Empire and Germany – from Cologne to the Saalburg, a reconstructed Roman fort close to Frankfurt.

“small minds whine”

“Kleine Geister jammern über mißlungene Pläne, große eilen zu neuer Tätigkeit. Doch wenn das Ziel, worauf man losstrebt, der Menschenvernunft nicht würdig ist, so sinkt der große Geist zum kleinen herab. Er wandelt mit Kraft, aber nicht im Lichte; er ist der Verschwender seines Vermögens, wenn er nicht Menschenwohl damit einlöset.”

“Small minds whine about failed plans, great ones rush to new activities. But if the goal towards which one is striving is not worthy of human reason, then the great mind sinks down to the small. He walks with power, but not in the light. He is the squanderer of his wealth if he does not redeem it for the good of mankind.”

Sebastian Mutschelle (1749 – 1800), Roman Catholic priest from Germany and writer during the Enlightenment.

Kant on planning

“Making plans is at times a luxuriant, boastful pursuit of the mind by which one gives oneself an air of creative genius, demanding what one cannot do, criticizing what one cannot do better, and suggesting what one does not know where it is to be found.”

“Pläne machen ist mehrmalen eine üppige, prahlerische Geistesbeschäftigung, dadurch man sich ein Ansehen von schöpferischem Genie gibt, indem man fordert, was man selbst nicht leisten, tadelt, was man doch nicht besser machen kann, und vorschlägt, wovon man selbst nicht weiß, wo es zu finden ist.”

Immanuel Kant (1724 – 1804), German philosopher.

Bismarck on planning

“Ich gewöhne mich nachgerade, nicht Pläne über acht Tage hinaus zu machen, denn der liebe Gott lässt mich doch nicht in seine Karte sehen, und tut ohne Zweifel gut daran.”

“I’m getting used to not making plans for more than eight days, because the good Lord doesn’t let me look at his map, and it’s no doubt a good idea to do so.”

Otto von Bismarck (1815 – 1898)

“also forgiven”

“Entworfen bloß, ists ein gemeiner Frevel, Vollführt, ists ein unsterblich Unternehmen; Und wenn es glückt, so ist es auch verziehn.”

Translation: “Just designed, it’s a common sacrilege. Completed, it’s an immortal enterprise. And if it succeeds, then it is also forgiven.”

Friedrich von Schiller (1759 – 1805), German physician, poet, philosopher and historian; is considered one of the most important German-speaking playwrights and poets.

goals of others

“Planlosigkeit erreicht spielend Ziele – andrer.” In English: “A lack of plan easily achieves goals – of others.”

Manfred Hinrich (1926 – 2015) – German philosopher, philologist, teacher, journalist, author of children’s songs, aphorist and writer.