We are all sensible that the king and Tisaphernes have caused as many of us as they could to be apprehended, and it is plain they design, by the same treacherous means, if they can, to destroy the rest.
XenophonRead
You see that even the enemy did not dare to declare war against us till they had seized our generals, for they were sensible that, while we had commanders and yielded obedience to them, we were able to conquer them; but, having seized our commanders, they concluded that we should, from a want of command and discipline, be destroyed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leadership is crucial for maintaining order and achieving success, even in the face of adversity.
This quote by Xenophon emphasizes the vital role of effective leadership in overcoming challenges and achieving victory. It suggests that the strength of an organization, be it an army or any group, lies in its leaders and the discipline of its members; without this leadership, the potential for defeat increases significantly. The enemies understood that by undermining the commanders, they could disrupt the obedience and cohesion necessary for success.
Themes
LeadershipDisciplineCommandObedienceVictory
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about team dynamics, you can use this quote to highlight the importance of leadership in achieving success.
More from Xenophon
All quotes →Those men who, in war, seek to preserve their lives at any rate commonly die with shame and ignominy, while those who look upon death as common to all, and unavoidable, and are only solicitous to die with honour, oftener arrive at old age and, while they live, live happier.
XenophonRead
You know that neither numbers nor strength give the victory, but that side which, with the assistance of the gods, attacks with the greatest resolution is generally irresistible.
XenophonRead
There is small risk a general will be regarded with contempt by those he leads, if, whatever he may have to preach, he shows himself best able to perform.
XenophonRead
Let a man sow a field or plant a farm never so well, yet he cannot foretell who will gather in the fruits; another may build him a house of fairest proportion, yet he knows not who will inhabit it.
XenophonRead
For what the horse does under compulsion, as Simon also observes, is done without understanding; and there is no beauty in it either, any more than if one should whip and spur a dancer.
XenophonRead
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