Meaning: The quote, "We need the kind of leadership exemplified by President Kennedy to just do it! But we must do it as good stewards, aggressively exerting control over the moon. We can best do this by going there." by Wilson Greatbatch, captures the essence of bold and visionary leadership, emphasizing the need for proactive and responsible action in pursuit of ambitious goals. It invokes the spirit of President John F. Kennedy's famous 1962 speech in which he declared the national goal of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth before the end of the decade. Greatbatch, an inventor known for his contributions to the development of the implantable pacemaker, uses the moon landing as a metaphor for taking decisive action while also emphasizing the importance of responsible stewardship in the pursuit of such monumental achievements.

The reference to President Kennedy's leadership is a nod to his ability to inspire and mobilize the nation toward a common purpose. Kennedy's call to action galvanized the American public and the scientific community, ultimately leading to the successful Apollo 11 mission in 1969. By invoking this example of leadership, Greatbatch highlights the importance of bold vision and decisive action in tackling complex and ambitious endeavors.

The phrase "just do it" reflects a sense of urgency and determination, urging individuals and organizations to overcome inertia and take tangible steps toward their goals. It conveys the idea that progress and innovation require more than just intention or aspiration; they demand proactive and resolute action. By using this phrase, Greatbatch underscores the importance of moving beyond mere rhetoric or contemplation and actually implementing concrete initiatives to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Furthermore, Greatbatch's emphasis on "doing it as good stewards" introduces a crucial dimension of responsible and ethical leadership. While advocating for bold and decisive action, he also stresses the need to exercise control and oversight in a responsible manner. This implies that the pursuit of ambitious goals should be coupled with a commitment to ethical conduct, environmental sustainability, and the prudent use of resources. In the context of the moon landing metaphor, it suggests that human exploration and exploitation of celestial bodies should be guided by principles of environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

The phrase "aggressively exerting control over the moon" adds a layer of assertiveness and determination to the concept of responsible stewardship. It conveys the idea that while pursuing ambitious goals, it is essential to assert influence and control over the outcomes, ensuring that the efforts align with ethical and responsible practices. This notion of assertive control could also be interpreted as a call for proactive engagement and management of challenges, rather than passive or reactive responses.

Finally, the statement "We can best do this by going there" serves as a powerful call to action. It underscores the idea that the most effective way to understand, influence, and manage a complex endeavor is through direct engagement and experience. In the context of space exploration, it suggests that the most meaningful insights and advancements will come from physically venturing into space and directly interacting with celestial bodies like the moon.

In summary, Wilson Greatbatch's quote encapsulates the essence of visionary leadership, proactive action, responsible stewardship, and the imperative of direct engagement in the pursuit of ambitious goals. It draws inspiration from President Kennedy's leadership and the historic moon landing, using the metaphor of space exploration to convey timeless principles of bold and ethical leadership.