Sun Tzu (544 BCE-496 BCE)
The Experience: A Chinese general who probably lived in the 4th century BCE, very little is known about Sun Tzu&’s wartime exploits - but he wrote The Art of War, the best war strategy book ever.
The Lessons: The Art of War&’s advice on maneuvering large armies and varying tactics has been used by everyone from Mao Zedong to Napoleon.
Quote to Carry with You into Battle: "If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in 100 battles."
Simón Bolivar (1783-1830)
The Experience: The George Washington of South America, el libertador fought for the independence of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and the not-coincidentally-named Bolivia. But Bolivar proved to be a better general than a politician: Internal strife forced him out of all leadership roles in his newly independent nations shortly before his death in 1830.
The Lessons: It&’s easier to conquer land than […]

Original post by Alex