Security & Shelter: Case Studies

personal995
May 10, 2024
5 min read

Updated: Dec 5, 2024

Index

Harriet Tubman
Albert Einstein
The Smith Family
Winston Churchill

Introduction

Take heed of the stories of others. We are a storying telling species, they help us remember.

We often won't understand the ramifications of poor planning, preparation or actions until it is too late. We have all had to learn something over and over. Either 'the penny doesn't drop,' we have cognitive biases that hold us back, or we do not quite yet have the accumulated knowledge or experience to tie it all together.

The Case Studies are provided to help show what can happen when it all comes together or caution what can happen if it doesn't.

The Case Studies are just appetisers to get you started. Read the referenced further readings in the Library (or similar books that might more readily align with your specific goals) to really submerse yourself into another's experience and absorb the learnings.

Process

As with the Lessons, review these Case Studies as and when it best serves you to do so:

Review with the aim of prevention in mind. To avoid having to learn the hard way yourself.
Review if you are stuck on a specific phase or step.
Review if you are making repetitive errors.
Review if you need inspiration and motivation.
Review if you need to review or reconstruct your Models & Theories.
Review if you are looking for inspiration for Values or Goals.
Absorb and Action the Case Studies:
Document any insights or ideas in your Templates and ultimately if suitable, in your Action Plan.
Read more deeply about someone you may want to emulate.
If the individuals mentioned do not resonate with you, who does? Discover them and learn their story.
Take what you learn and put it into action.
Whatever you discover that you need to learn, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. Again, what matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.

Case Studies: By Example

1. Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was a courageous African American abolitionist who led hundreds of slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. Despite facing immense personal security risks and lacking significant financial resources or influence, Tubman employed ingenious tactics to ensure the safety of herself and those she helped escape.

Tubman, born into slavery in Maryland, escaped to freedom in 1849 and subsequently dedicated her life to liberating others. She became a key figure in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved individuals to reach free states and Canada.

To evade capture and navigate through hostile territory, Tubman relied on her resourcefulness and keen understanding of the land. She traveled primarily at night, using the North Star as a guide and seeking shelter in remote locations during the day. Tubman also employed various disguises and code words to communicate with fellow abolitionists and avoid detection by slave catchers.

Despite the constant danger posed by bounty hunters and slave patrols, Tubman's cunning tactics and unwavering determination enabled her to lead countless enslaved individuals to freedom. Her bravery and ingenuity serve as a testament to the power of strategic thinking and resourcefulness in overcoming personal security risks, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Further reading: Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman: Portrait of an American Hero (Kate Clifford Larson)

2. Albert Einstein

As the rise of Nazi Germany threatened the safety of Jewish individuals, including Albert Einstein, he was fortunate to recognized the signs of impending danger and have the means to take proactive steps to protect himself and his family.

In the early 1930s, Einstein, who was a renowned physicist, saw the increasing persecution of Jews and the erosion of civil liberties in Germany under Hitler's regime. Anticipating the worsening situation, Einstein decided to flee Germany with his family to seek refuge in the United States.

In 1933, Einstein accepted a position at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University in New Jersey, where he continued his groundbreaking scientific research. By relocating to the United States before the outbreak of World War II, Einstein ensured the safety of himself and his family, avoiding the persecution and violence faced by many Jews who remained in Germany.

Einstein's decision to flee Germany and seek refuge in the United States exemplifies the importance of recognizing warning signs and taking proactive measures to protect oneself and one's family from personal security risks. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the benefits of understanding the political and social landscape to safeguard one's well-being and pursue a fulfilling life and work.

Further reading: Einstein: His Life and Universe (Walter Isaacson)

3. The Smith Family

The Smith family lived in a coastal town prone to hurricanes and severe storms. Despite the warnings from meteorologists and local authorities about the impending hurricane season, many residents in their community were complacent and chose not to evacuate, believing their homes were sturdy enough to withstand the storm.

However, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, after reading about previous hurricane disasters and understanding the potential devastation, made the difficult decision to evacuate with their children to a safer location inland. They carefully packed essential supplies, including food, water, clothing, and important documents, and secured their home as best they could before leaving.

As the hurricane made landfall, the coastal town faced catastrophic flooding, widespread power outages, and structural damage to homes and buildings. The Smith family, safe in their temporary shelter, watched the news coverage in horror as their neighbors struggled to cope with the aftermath of the storm.

In the weeks that followed, the Smith family remained grateful for their decision to evacuate, knowing they had prioritized their safety and well-being. While their home sustained some minor damage, they were relieved to return to a livable environment compared to the devastation experienced by many others who had chosen to stay behind.

The Smith family's story underscores the importance of heeding warnings, understanding the risks associated with one's environment, and taking proactive measures to protect oneself and loved ones from potential disasters.

Note: This story is fictional example based on the stories shared in the further reading below.

Further reading: The Unthinkable (Amanda Ripley); Left of Bang (Patrick Van Horne & Jason a. Riley); When Violence Is the Answer: Learning How to Do What It Takes When Your Life Is at Stake (Tim Larkin); Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why (Laurence Gonzales )

4. Winston Churchill

During World War II, Winston Churchill, who was then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, faced numerous threats to his safety, including assassination attempts by enemy agents. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Churchill implemented stringent security measures to safeguard himself and his family.

Churchill's residence at Downing Street was heavily fortified, with armed guards stationed around the clock to protect against potential attacks. Additionally, he frequently changed his travel routes and schedules to avoid predictability and minimize the risk of ambushes or bombings.

One notable incident occurred during the Blitz, when German bombers targeted London with relentless air raids. Despite the grave danger posed by the bombings, Churchill remained resolute and continued to lead the country from the War Rooms, a fortified underground bunker in central London.

By prioritizing security and taking proactive steps to mitigate risks, Churchill successfully protected himself and his family throughout the war, allowing him to focus on his leadership responsibilities and steer the nation through one of its darkest periods.

Further reading: Churchill: Walking with Destiny (Andrew Roberts)

By reviewing these lessons above you can gain inspiration, seek clarity, deepen your awareness of where you can improve and compound your results moving forward.

Case Studies: Cautionary Tales

1. Left Blank

We have left this section blank. Unfortunately there are more than enough case studies in the daily news.

By reviewing these cautionary case studies above you can heed their warnings, adjust to suit, deepen your awareness of where you can improve and compound your results moving forward.