An Army is a collection of armed men obliged to obey one man. Every change in the rules which impairs the principle weakens the army.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
My aim, then, was to whip the rebels, to humble their pride, to follow them to their inmost recesses, and make them fear and dread us. Fear is the beginning of wisdom.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the idea that instilling fear can lead to greater understanding and control over others.
William Tecumseh Sherman suggests that in order to effectively manage and influence rebellious individuals, one must assert dominance and inspire fear. This fear, he argues, is not just a tool for repression, but a catalyst for wisdom, as it compels individuals to reflect on their actions and the potential consequences. By delving into the deepest thoughts and emotions of these rebels, one can gain valuable insights that contribute to a broader understanding of human behavior and leadership.
Themes
FearWisdomControlUnderstandingLeadership
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about leadership, one could quote Sherman to emphasize the importance of understanding the motivations of team members.
More from William Tecumseh Sherman
All quotes →Every attempt to make war easy and safe will result in humiliation and disaster.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
I think I understand what military fame is; to be killed on the field of battle and have your name misspelled in the newspapers.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
The young bloods of the South: sons of planters, lawyers about towns, good billiard-players and sportsmen, men who never did any work and never will... They are splendid riders, first-rate shots and utterly reckless. These men must all be killed or employed by us before we can hope for peace.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
You people of the South don't know what you are doing. This country will be drenched in blood, and God only knows how it will end. It is all folly, madness, a crime against civilization! You people speak so lightly of war; you don't know what you're talking about.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
War is too serious a matter to leave to soldiers.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
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