Armchair General
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Zhao Kuo’s father was a brilliant general of Zhao. Zhao Kuo studied the art of war since he was a boy and became so eloquent that he even beat his father in their discussion on the subject. But his father did not think he could make a good general. Zhao Kuo’s mother asked to know the reason.
“War is a matter of life and death,” said the father. “But our son makes light of it. I hope he’ll never be an army general.”
After his father’s death, Zhao Kuo became an officer. When Qin invaded Zhao, the king wanted to appoint him as the commander-in-chief to fight the enemy. His mother implored the king not to do so.
“His father took good care of his men. Whatever Your Majesty gave him, he shared with the rank and file soldiers. He was totally devoted to his job and never allowed other things to divert his mind. But Zhao Kuo is different. He has only book knowledge of the art of war and doesn’t know how to apply it in real battle. Yet he is arrogant. He doesn’t share what Your Majesty gives him with his soldiers, but is keen on buying properties for himself. You will make a grave mistake appointing him.”
“Leave it to me, madam,” the king said. “I’ve made up my mind.”
“If so, I’ll have nothing to do with your decision,” said the mother. “Don’t tell me I haven’t warned you.”
After taking the command of the Zhao army, Zhao Kuo replaced many earlier appointments and changed the strategy of his predecessor. The army of Qin was led by an experienced general. During the campaign, he fooled Zhao Kuo by feigning retreat, split Zhao’s troops into two parts, cut their supply line and besieged them for forty days. When Zhao Kuo tried to break through the siege, he was killed and his army sustained a devastating defeat. The army of Qin almost overran the capital of Zhao.
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Wise Proverbs
- No one knows a son better than his own father.
- 知子莫若父。
- Success comes out of forethought, while thoughtlessness leads to failure.
- 行成于思，毁于随。
- Without experience we will not gain full knowledge.
- 实践出真知。
Editor Says:
As few people know a man better than his parents, their warning should never be dismissed.