"It is the merit of a general to impart good news, and to conceal the truth"
- Sophocles
About this Quote
This quote by Sophocles talks with the value of management and the duty of a general in times of war or conflict. The first component of the quote, "It is the benefit of a general to impart excellent information," highlights the significance of maintaining morale high among troops. A good leader recognizes that their soldiers need to believe that they are winning or making progress in order to proceed combating effectively.
Nevertheless, the second component of the quote, "and also to hide the truth," indicates the fact that sometimes the truth of the circumstance might not be positive. A sensible general knows that sharing adverse information with their soldiers can cause panic, anxiety, and even mutiny. For that reason, it may be required for them to maintain some details trick or to at least only share it with a select couple of.
Overall, this quote speaks to the fragile equilibrium that leaders should strike in between maintaining spirits high and also being sincere with their soldiers. It acknowledges that there might be times when a general need to withhold details, yet that inevitably their work is to lead their soldiers to victory.
