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Leadership Quote by Sun Tzu

“Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and straightway installed the pair next in order as leaders in their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded for the drill once more; and the girls went through all the evolutions, turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or…” quote by Sun Tzu
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““Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and straightway installed the pair next in order as leaders in their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded for the drill once more; and the girls went through all the evolutions, turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling back, kneeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, not venturing to utter a sound. Then Sun Tzu sent a messenger to the King saying: “Your soldiers, Sire, are now properly drilled and disciplined, and ready for your majesty's inspection. They can be put to any use that their sovereign may desire; bid them go through fire and water, and they will not disobey.””

Sun Tzu

About This Quote

Source Book: The Art of War, Sun Tzu, 5th century BC

Discipline and obedience enable soldiers to follow any command without hesitation, even under extreme conditions.

In simple terms: Trained troops obey any order.

Key Takeaway

Ensure rigorous training for reliability.

Themes

discipline obedience military leadership

Mood

respectful determined serious

Type

military strategic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • battlefield
  • military drills
  • leadership training
  • emergency response

Key Concepts

command hierarchy collective coordination psychological conditioning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does extreme discipline affect individual autonomy?
  • When should obedience be questioned?
A Different Perspective

Training alone cannot guarantee moral judgment in warfare.

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