Place them in a deadly situation and they will survive; put them on ground where death is certain and they will live.
陛下不過能将十万。臣多多而益善耳。
Military Strategists
Han Xin
The greatest military mind of early imperial China, whose campaigns established the Han dynasty (c. 231-196 BCE). Han Xin's tactical innovations — including the legendary 'battle with backs to the river' — demonstrated that battlefield psychology and terrain exploitation could overcome any numerical disadvantage. His reward was execution by the emperor he helped enthrone.
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Han Xin's Other Quotes
Related Quotes
Wisdom that comes only after hearing others' opinions is not true wisdom.
-- Toyotomi Hideyoshi
People are the castle, people are the walls, people are the moat. Compassion makes allies; cruelty makes enemies.
-- Takeda Shingen
Youth on horseback has passed. The world is at peace and white hairs multiply. With what remains of life that heaven permits, how can I not enjoy it?
-- Date Masamune
A man who wants neither life, nor fame, nor rank, nor money — such a man is the hardest to deal with.
-- Saigō Takamori
Revere Heaven, Love People.
-- Saigō Takamori
Without first establishing internal governance, there can be no external campaigns.
-- Ōkubo Toshimichi