UNDERSTANDING

The first section was studying the time-space relationship later formulated by Einstein as his Theory of Relativity. The text was complex and, being unable to comprehend it, I committed the pages to memory. When I was called upon to recite, I solemnly reeled off almost word for word what the book said. Our instructor, Colonel Fieberger, looked at me somewhat quizzically and asked, "Do you understand this theory?"  

It was a bad moment for me, but I did not hesitate in replying, "No, sir." You could have heard a pin drop. I braced myself and waited. 

And then the slow words of the professor: "Neither do I, Mr. MacArthur. Section dismissed." 

Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Reminiscences recalling a strategy he carried out while at West Point.