I’ve heard it. You’ve heard it.
“We go the extra mile.”
“He is a great worker, always going the extra mile.”
“We need someone with initiative; someone willing to go the extra mile.”
I never knew the origin of the phrase until recently. Les Parrot shares the source in his book 3 Seconds: The Power of Thinking Twice.
[Roman Soldiers] often carried heavy packs for great distances. Many of these soldiers, walking through a civilian area, would order a person to carry their pack for them. The practice was so common—and so resented—that a law was passed in the empire that required a young boy given this order to carry the soldier’s backpack for a Roman mile, or about a thousand paces, in either direction from his home. In those days, it was not unusual to see sticks in the ground along village lanes, where boys had marked off the distances they would have to walk if a soldier requested it.
Advertisements
Another great blog, Bro. Tyler. With this origin, it’s interesting to note that the challenge to go the extra mile was presented as something to do for a person for whom you didn’t even want to go the FIRST mile. Going the extra mile for those we appreciate is difficult sometimes. Going the extra mile for someone we don’t want to serve in the first place – that’s a real challenge. It’s fitting that Les Parrot calls this a “revolutionary relationship principle.” Right up there with “love your enemy” and “pray for them that despitefully use you.”
This is a great point, Bro. McGee. It is a whole lot easier to “go the extra mile” when it is beneficial to self (i.e. in a relationship, in business). It is a different story when it comes to a matter of blessing for someone or something you don’t care much for. Roll up your sleeves!