Books Quote by Barbara W. Tuchman
““The author of IRR, who worshipped the King, said he had the valor of Hector, the magnanimity of Achilles, the liberality of Titus, the eloquence of Nestor, and the prudence of Ulysses; that he was the equal of Alexander and not inferior to Roland. But later historians tend to picture him rather as a remorseless, kindless villain. He was probably not a pleasant or a lovable character; none of the Plantagenets were. But a great soldier and a great commander he certainly was. He possessed that one quality without which nothing else in a commander counts: the determination to win. To this everything else—mercy, moderation, tact—was sacrificed. The avarice that so horrifies his critics was not simple greed: it was a quartermaster’s greed for his army. His massacre of the prisoners was not simple cruelty, but a deliberate reminder to Saladin to keep faith with the terms agreed to, which that great opponent understood and respected.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Rise and Fall of the Plantagenets, Barbara W. Tuchman, 1974
A commander’s relentless drive to win can eclipse mercy and tact, turning strategic ruthlessness into a necessary, though controversial, leadership trait.
In simple terms: Winning focus can override compassion.
Key Takeaway
Balance determination with humanity.
Themes
leadership
war
ethics
Mood
critical
historical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military planning
- corporate strategy
- political negotiation
Key Concepts
strategic ruthlessness
historical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- Is winning always worth the moral cost?
- How can leaders maintain compassion while pursuing goals?
A Different Perspective
Excessive focus on victory may cause long‑term damage.
