Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
A good commander is benevolent and unconcerned with fame.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A successful leader should prioritize the well-being of their followers over personal recognition.
This quote from Sun Tzu emphasizes the essential qualities of a good leader. A benevolent commander not only cares for the needs and welfare of their troops but also remains indifferent to seeking fame or glory. True leadership is characterized by selflessness and the ability to inspire and support others without the need for recognition, fostering loyalty and respect within the ranks.
Themes
LeadershipBenevolenceFameSelflessnessInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about effective leadership at a conference.
More from Sun Tzu
All quotes βGreat results, can be achieved with small forces.
Sun TzuRead
To capture an enemies army is better than to destroy it.
Sun TzuRead
The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.
Sun TzuRead
You can ensure the success of your attacks if you only attack places that are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked. Therefore, that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.
Sun TzuRead
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
Sun TzuRead
Similar quotes
When small men attempt great enterprises, they always end by reducing them to the level of their mediocrity.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
I think the rule should be that if we're going to take actions overseas that result in the deaths of people, the United States should take responsibility for that.
John O. BrennanRead
We need to stop telling [women], "Get a mentor and you will excel." Instead, we need to tell them, "Excel and you will get a mentor.
Sheryl SandbergRead
Jesus teaches us another way: Go out. Go out and share your testimony, go out and interact with your brothers, go out and share, go out and ask. Become the Word in body as well as spirit.
Pope FrancisRead
I shall always think of myself first and foremost... as a hunter.
Abraham LincolnRead
When they remain in garrison, soldiers are maintained with fear and punishment; when they are then led to war, with hope and reward.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead