The more troops, the better I command them.
狡兎死、走狗烹。飛鳥尽、良弓蔵。敵国破、謀臣亡。
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
Experience is the teacher of all things.
-- Julius Caesar
Let us put an end to this war. For we know how to win battles but not how to use our victories.
-- Hannibal
War is merely the continuation of politics by other means.
-- Carl von Clausewitz
What is won by the sword must be defended by the sword.
-- Baibars
The greatest joy of a conqueror is to drive his enemies before him, to seize their horses and treasure, and to hear the lamentation of their women.
-- Genghis Khan
A conqueror must wield both the sword and the law.
-- Timur