centurion principles - part 1

Heeding the call to read something substantial, i picked up a book titled “The Centurion Principles”, by Col. Jeff O' Leary, recommended by dad.

Its about leadership qualities, comprising of moral integrity, and doing what's right instead of what's easy, what's moral instead of what's legal. Historical examples of great leaders were given, with an analysis of their success, and failure.

Chapter one is about the Carthian general, Hannibal, who led a long and succesful campaign against the roman empire. His motto was “We'll either find a way, or make one.” He made a surprise attack by doing the impossible – crossing the Alps with his troops and elephants. Followed by tracking thru a swampland, and losing his eye in the next battle, and winning it. His peak achievement came when he routed the romans in Cannae, and sandwiched them and nearly annihilated the whole troop, with Scipio as one of the survivors.

But his pride and ego also caused his downfall.

Scipio, the survivor, rose thru the ranks, and learnt from the defeats under the hands of Hannibal. He then proposed a plan of attacking to defend (围魏救赵), by attacking the capital of Carthage, and thereby force Hannibal to retreat to defend his homeland in modern day Tunisia. Scipio managed to convinced the senate, and planned his attack with bold but pragmatic strategy.

He figured that supplies is the key to winning a war. And the first place he attacked in Carthage was the food supply depot. Hannibal was so sure of himself, that only a handful of soldiers were defending the supply port city. The city felled quickly, and Hannibal was in a defensive mode in a swift change of events.

Scipio then arranged for calvary reinforcements, and met Hannibal at a great battle. The reinforcements arrived in time, and Hannibal was defeated.

Moral of story :
1.dont brush away the impossible to hastily, as it might become a reality. In short, be prepared for anything.
2.Arrogance leads to complacency.
3.Learn from mistakes.

So far, i've only managed to cultivate point #1 occasionally, and points #2 and #3 are...well....something to be worked on continuously.

Chapter 3 is about alexander the great, which i've yet to read....