Chapter 20 Volume Three Chapter Three

The duty of the cavalry commander is twofold: to improve the condition of the soldiers and horses; not to leave the care of the horses to the soldiers alone, § 1-4.How he should train soldiers, and how to qualify himself to do so, v. 5-10.He should cultivate the power of speech, that he may inspire their morale, and excite their honor, v. 11-14. I recall a conversation Socrates once had with a man chosen to be commander of the cavalry, which went something like this: "Young man," Socrates asked, "can you tell me what is the purpose of your desire to be a cavalry commander? I suppose it is by no means to be able to ride in the forefront of the cavalry when they attack, because this honor is Those belonged to the mounted archers, who even rode ahead of their commanders".

"You're right," the young man replied. "It's definitely not to attract attention, because even a madman can attract everyone's attention." "You're right about that." "Then, do you want to return the cavalry to the city-state when it has better combat effectiveness after training the cavalry, so that if the city-state needs cavalry, you, as a cavalry commander, can deal with the cavalry? The city-state contributes?" "Indeed," he replied. "If you can do this," continued Socrates, "it is indeed a good thing, but is it true that you have been chosen for the position of commanding and riding horses?"

"That's right," replied the young man. "Come here, then, and tell us first how you intend to improve the horses?" "But," replied the young man, "I don't think it's my fault, because I think every man should take care of his own horse." "However," said Socrates, "if some soldiers bring into battle horses with sick feet or lame or thin bodies, some people's horses are not well bred and cannot run. , and some people's horses are reckless and unruly, and some people's horses are very bad and don't obey orders at all. What use will such cavalry be to you? Leading such a team can be of benefit to the city-state Contribute?"

"That's a good thing you said, and I'll take care of the horses as best I can," replied the young man. "Do you also want to try to train people well?" Socrates asked. "I will definitely do that." "So you're going to train them to ride better first?" "I must do this, that they may save their lives if they should be thrown from their horses." "When you have to risk combat, do you try to lure the enemy to the sand on which you have trained your troops, or do you prepare for the enemy's situation beforehand and train on a terrain similar to that occupied by the enemy?"

"The latter is a better way," replied the young man. "Are you trying to get as many soldiers as possible to throw spears from horses and kill the enemy?" "Of course, this is also a better way." "Have you ever thought about how to improve the morale of the cavalry, inspire their fighting spirit against the enemy, so that they can fight the enemy bravely?" "Anyway, I'm going to try to do it now," replied the young man. "Have you ever thought about how to persuade soldiers to obey your orders? No matter whether they are horses or soldiers, although their morale is strong and brave, if they don't obey orders, they are of no use at all."

"What you say is true, but, Socrates, what is the best way to persuade them to obey?" "You know, I think, that in every case men are willing to obey whomever they think can best guide them. In sickness men obey the doctor they think best; in voyages they obey whatever thinks the best helmsman; and in agriculture men obey what they think the best farmer." "Indeed," the young man replied. "It is probable, therefore, that he who appears to know best what to do in horsemanship is most willing to be obeyed." "Then, Socrates," asked the young man, "if I appear to be the best rider among them, will that alone be enough to make them obey me?"

"Yes, if you can convince them, in addition, that it is better and safer for them to obey you." "How can I convince them that it is better and safer to obey me?" "It's much more rewarding and easier than if you had them believe that bad things are better than good things." "You mean to say that a cavalry general must, among other qualifications, be a speaker?" "Did you think that a cavalry general must be a man of few words? Did it not occur to you that the best thing we conventionally learn, that is to say, everything by which we know life, is through linguistics; through them all other useful knowledge we acquire; the best teachers are those who use them best; those who know the most important truths are the best speakers Didn't it occur to you that at any time the chorus organized by our city--like the one sent to Delos--was unrivaled by the choruses of other cities, and that Can't other city-states recruit beautiful talents like us?"

"You're telling the truth," the young man replied. "However, it is not in the softness of voice or stature that the Athenians are superior to others, but in ambition, which is the greatest stimulant to greatness." "What you said is also true," the young man replied. "Don't you think," asked Socrates, "that if anyone studied to improve the cavalry here, they would greatly surpass the enemy in equipment, horses, discipline, and valor (as long as they think that doing so can be praised and honored. )?" "It's very possible," the young man replied.

"Then, don't hesitate any longer, and try to motivate the soldiers in this way, so that you will benefit yourself, and your fellow countrymen will benefit from you." "I must try to do this," replied the young man.