The Icarus Complex

A while ago I saw an advert for a parachuting outfit called Icarus. I thought it was rather an unfortunate name for a company. As you know, Icarus, the son of Daedalus (if you care --- he built the Labyrinth of the Minotaur at Knossos and seriously upset King Minos), flew too near the sun with wax-attached wings, fell into the sea and drowned.

Not a great safety record and not a name I’d highlight for a parachute company. I suppose the lesson is to know your Greek before choosing a name.

Jacques de Villiers is a motivational speaker in South Africa.