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
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
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.
View this figure's profile
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's Other Quotes
Related Quotes
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?
-- The 'One-Eyed Dragon' of northern Japan who carved
People are the castle, people are the walls, people are the moat. Compassion makes allies; cruelty makes enemies.
-- The 'Tiger of Kai' who transformed his landlocked mountain domain into one of Sengoku Japan's most formidable military powers
Wisdom that comes only after hearing others' opinions is not true wisdom.
-- The peasant who became ruler of all Japan
Without first establishing internal governance, there can be no external campaigns.
-- The ruthlessly effective architect of modern Japan who built the Meiji state's institutions while his more charismatic peers took the glory
Revere Heaven, Love People.
-- The charismatic giant who led Japan's Meiji Restoration through force of personality and moral authority
A man who wants neither life, nor fame, nor rank, nor money — such a man is the hardest to deal with.
-- The charismatic giant who led Japan's Meiji Restoration through force of personality and moral authority