Literary notes about initiative (AI summary)
Literary works employ the term initiative to evoke both individual drive and strategic advantage. In some narratives, it emerges as an intrinsic quality—a transformative power within a character that, once awakened, propels them into decisive action [1, 2]. In other contexts, initiative is portrayed as a tactical asset, essential for turning the tide in battles, political struggles, or even in subtle personal contests [3, 4, 5]. It can define a character’s independence or courage, as seen in dramatic dialogues and narrative conflicts where taking the initiative is both a challenge and a reward [6, 7]. Moreover, the notion of initiative stretches into the realm of social and intellectual life, suggesting that progress and reform depend on proactive measures by individuals or institutions [8, 9]. Whether articulated through the strategic moves of a chess game or the bold steps in public and private life, initiative represents a dynamic force that shapes events and character destinies alike [10, 11].
- She had some power of initiative, latent before, which now began to exert itself.
— from Sister Carrie: A Novel by Theodore Dreiser - Henceforth she has no initiative: the stem of her being seems to be cut through.
— from Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth by A. C. Bradley - The best way to defend such positions is to assume the initiative and keep the opponent on the defensive.
— from Chess Fundamentals by José Raúl Capablanca - It was to Ewell’s dispositions, his wise use of his reserves, and to Trimble’s ready initiative, that Frémont’s defeat was due.
— from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - "I dare not take the initiative, but prefer to act on the defensive; I dare not advance an inch, but prefer to retreat a foot."
— from The Art of War by active 6th century B.C. Sunzi - In Shakespear's plays the woman always takes the initiative.
— from Man and Superman: A Comedy and a Philosophy by Bernard Shaw - But it was a long time before I ventured to take the initiative, and still longer before I could find something appropriate to say at the right time.
— from The Story of My Life by Helen Keller - Should the Initiative and Referendum be adopted as a national principle?
— from The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and J. Berg Esenwein - Twelve years ago New York took the initiative step, and secured to married women their property, received by gift or inheritance.
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - The natural initiative of the American, the general fearlessness of responsibility, were as conspicuous among the soldiers as in the nation at large.
— from Aesop's Fables by Aesop - You see my initiative doesn't go beyond putting myself at your disposal.
— from The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
