Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Treat your soldiers with care and affection to earn their loyalty and commitment.
This quote by Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of empathy and connection between a leader and their followers. By viewing soldiers as beloved children, a leader fosters trust and loyalty, encouraging them to go above and beyond in service and sacrifice. The bond of familial love can inspire individuals to remain steadfast and courageous, even in the face of great adversity.
Themes
LeadershipLoyaltyEmpathyTrustSacrifice
In practice
Example use cases
A military commander might use this quote during a speech to inspire troops before a deployment.
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
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