Chapter 21 Volume Three, Chapter Four

Nicomachedes complained to the Athenians, saying that although he was rich in combat experience, the Athenians did not choose him as a general, but instead chose Antisthenes who had no combat experience.Socrates explained to him that although Antisthenes had never led an army, he might have the qualifications necessary for a successful general. Once Socrates saw Nicomachedes coming back from the election and asked him, "Nicomachedes, who was elected general?" "The Athenians are not always the same, Socrates," Nicomachedes replied, "I have been through hardships since I was called up for military service, and I have devoted myself to the duties of platoon and company commanders. Wounded many times in the war (showing the scars to Socrates as he spoke), they chose me instead of a man who had never fought in heavy infantry, nor had he had any noteworthy experience in cavalry. Antisthenes, a man who knew nothing but asking for money."

"Isn't that also a good thing?" asked Socrates, "in this way he might be able to provide the soldiers with necessities". "However," retorted Nicomachedes, "the merchants also know how to amass money, but that does not mean that they are good at leading troops." "But," said Socrates, "Antisthenes was competitive, which is very useful for a general. Don't you know that whenever he was director of a chorus, his chorus always Is it winning?" "It is true," replied Nicomachedes, "but leading a chorus has nothing in common with leading an army."

"And yet," said Socrates, "although Antisthenes knew neither music nor the method of coaching choruses, he was able to spot the most gifted in both." "Then," said Nicomachedes, "in the army, he can also find someone else to organize his troops for him, and find someone else to fight for him!" "However," replied Socrates, "if he can find and promote the best men in military affairs as in the chorus, he will probably be superior in this field as well, and it is likely that he will be able to make the whole world more successful. A city is more willing to spend money when it wins in war than when it wins a song and dance contest for its family."

"Socrates, do you mean to say that a man who manages a song and dance troupe well can also manage an army?" "What I mean is that no matter what a person leads, as long as he knows what he wants and can achieve this requirement, he is a good leader, whether he leads a song and dance troupe, a family, a city-state Or the army." Nicomachedes said, "To be honest, I never thought that I would hear you say that a good manager can also be a good general." "Then," said Socrates, "let us compare the two offices and see whether they are the same or different."

"great." "Is it not the duty of both parties to make those under their leadership willing to submit to their command?" "Not bad." "Isn't it the duty of both parties to assign each to the work for which they are best suited?" "That's right." "I think it is the responsibility of both parties to punish the bad guys and reward the good guys." "Totally good." "Isn't it right for both sides to endear them to those under their command?" "certainly." "Do you think both sides should seek allies and supporters?"

"should." "Shouldn't both parties take good care of their own assets?" "of course." "Shouldn't both parties care about their business and work tirelessly?" "All of these are the same on both sides, but not in combat".Nicomachedes replied. "There are enemies on both sides?" Socrates asked. "There must be." "Then, isn't it beneficial for both parties to defeat the enemy?" "Certainly," replied Nicomachedes, "but aside from this, since war is necessary, how does good housekeeping help?"

"Help is here, and big."Socrates replied, "Because a person who is good at housekeeping knows that there is nothing more profitable or cost-effective than defeating the enemy, and there is nothing more costly or cost-effective than losing a battle. Therefore, he will do everything in his power. Find ways to fight for victory, will be vigilant and guard against failure carefully, when he knows that he is ready and has the possibility of victory, he will put all his strength into the battle with the enemy, especially when he knows that he is still there When he is not ready, he is on the alert to avoid confrontation with the enemy. Do not despise the man who manages well, Nicomachedes, for the difference between private and public affairs is only in small and large, and in other They are very similar to each other; the most important thing is that neither can manage well without people, and it is not that personal affairs are managed by one kind of people and public affairs by another kind of people; the management of public enterprises The people who are employed by people and those who manage private enterprises are not of a different kind but people of the same disposition. Anyone who knows how to employ people can manage both private and public enterprises well, and those who do not know how to employ people can manage well Man fails at both."