Battle Quote by Robert Jordan
““Bashere shrugged, grinning brhind his grey-streaked moustaches, "When I first slept in a saddle, Muad Cheade was Marshal-General. The man was as mad as a hare in spring thaw. Twice every day he searched his bodyservant for poison, and he drank nothing but vinegar and water which he claimed was sovereign against the poison the fellow fed him, but he ate everything the man prepared for as long as I knew him. Once he had a grove of oaks chopped down because they were looking at him. And then insisted they be given decent funerals; he gave the oration. Do you have any idea how long it takes to dig graves for twenty-three oak trees?" "Why didn't somebody do something? His Family?" "Those not as mad as him, or madder, were afraid to look at him sideways. Tenobia's father wouldn't have let anyone touch Cheade anyway. He might have been insane, but he could outgeneral anyone I ever saw. He never lost a battle. He never even came close to losing.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, 1990s
A charismatic but unstable leader is revered for military brilliance despite erratic, cruel behavior, highlighting the tension between competence and madness.
In simple terms: A great leader can be both brilliant and dangerous.
Key Takeaway
Beware glorifying talent without moral scrutiny.
Themes
leadership
power
madness
military
authority
Mood
cautious
critical
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- historical war
- corporate leadership
- political campaigns
- team management
- crisis response
Key Concepts
charisma
psychology
ethics
authority
military strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect for skill with ethical concerns?
- What safeguards can prevent abuse of power?
A Different Perspective
Even the most capable leaders can be morally compromised, risking harm to followers.
