No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training.

Epaminondas

Military Strategists

Epaminondas

The Theban general who shattered Sparta's military supremacy at Leuctra (371 BCE) by inventing the oblique order — concentrating overwhelming force at a single decisive point while refusing engagement elsewhere. Epaminondas's tactical revolution became the foundation of all subsequent Western military thought, from Alexander to Napoleon.

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Source: 古希腊底比斯军事传统（有时归属于苏格拉底）Disputed

Epaminondas's Other Quotes

Have we won? Then it is enough.

One day of virtuous action is worth a month of idleness.

My victories have left sufficient offspring: Leuctra and Mantinea.

Related Quotes

Rise early in the morning, retire early at night.

-- Hōjō Sōun

The ancients said: after victory, tighten the cords of your helmet.

-- Tōgō Heihachirō

兵無常勢、水無常形。能因敵変化而取勝者、謂之神。

-- Sun Tzu

Sweat saves blood, blood saves lives, and brains save both.

-- Erwin Rommel

The best form of welfare for the troops is first-rate training.

-- Erwin Rommel

子供には物を与えるな、苦労をさせよ

-- Nogi Maresuke