Generals Quote by Aristophanes
“Ah! the Generals! they are numerous, but not good for much!”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Knights, by Aristophanes, 424 BC
The speaker mocks many generals, implying that sheer numbers do not guarantee competence or effectiveness.
In simple terms: Many leaders are ineffective despite being many.
Key Takeaway
Judge leaders by skill, not count.
Themes
leadership
competence
criticism
Mood
skeptical
ironic
Type
satirical
political
When to use this quote
- political rallies
- military planning
- organizational hiring
- public debates
Key Concepts
political satire
military hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess a leader’s true ability?
- When does a large team become a liability?
A Different Perspective
Quantity cannot replace quality in leadership.
![“You [demagogues] are like the fishers for eels; in still waters they catch nothing, but if they thoroughly stir up the slime, their fishing is good; in the same way it's only in troublous times that you line your pockets.” quote by Aristophanes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4f7/aristophanes-3340_demagoguery_you-demagogues-are-like-the-fishers-for_87488.jpg)
![“[Y]ou [man] are fool enough, it seems, to dare to war with [woman=] me, when for your faithful ally you might win me easily.” quote by Aristophanes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d43/aristophanes-3340_allies_y-ou-man-are-fool-enough-it-seems-to-dar_185861.jpg)
![“One of the things I would immediately do [as Commander in Chief ], in addition to defeating them here at home, is bring back the warrior class - Petraeus, McChrystal, Mattis, Keane, Flynn. Every single one of these generals I know. Every one was retired early because they told President [Barack]…” quote by Carly Fiorina](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/397/carly-fiorina-1077_barack_one-of-the-things-i-would-immediately-do_299161.jpg)
