This famous quote has a disputed origin: many people attribute it to Alexander the Great (356–323 BCE), one of the most prolific military leaders in history and the founder of a large empire, which collapsed upon his death. Others attribute the quote to Chabrias (d. 357 BCE), an accomplished Greek general. Polybius (200–118 BCE), a Greek historian, is a third attribution. The proverb was quoted by Agostino Nifo (1473–1538 CE), an Italian philosopher. And finally...
This famous quote has a disputed origin: many people attribute it to Alexander the Great (356–323 BCE), one of the most prolific military leaders in history and the founder of a large empire, which collapsed upon his death. Others attribute the quote to Chabrias (d. 357 BCE), an accomplished Greek general. Polybius (200–118 BCE), a Greek historian, is a third attribution. The proverb was quoted by Agostino Nifo (1473–1538 CE), an Italian philosopher. And finally there is the widespread attribution of this quote to Daniel Defoe (1660–1731 CE), a British journalist, novelist, spy, pamphleteer, and failed businessman.
Regardless of who originally made this statement, it is most often referenced in military situations, where its logic seems counter-intuitive (who wouldn't want an army of lions?). But the quotation is actually a profound statement on leadership: it makes the assertion that the quality/bravery/ferocity of the soldiers doesn't really matter; it is the quality of their leader that determines the army's strength. A good leader can take an army of 'sheep' and organize them to fight as if they were a pack of 'lions.' The quote further asserts that even if the soldiers are exceedingly brave, strong, and skilled ('lions'), if they have a weak, ineffective leader (a 'sheep'), they are no greater threat than an army of 'sheep.' The quote has obvious implications beyond the military, and is relevant to any situation where leadership or group cohesion is needed.
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