Cyrus the Great: The Arts of Leadership and War

by Xenophon

Twenty-five hundred years ago Cyrus, a great Persian leader of wisdom and virtue, created the Persian Empire, conquered Babylon, freed forty thousand Jews from captivity, wrote mankind's first human rights charter, and ruled over those he had defeated with respect and benevolence.
 
The Iranians came to regard Cyrus as "The Father," the Babylonians as "The Liberator," and the Jews as "The Anointed of the Lord." The Greeks called him "The Law Giver," and a century after Cyrus's death, an admiring Xenophon of Athens wrote an epic account of Cyrus's many leadership principles at war and at peace.
 
By freshening the voice and style that Xenophon ascribed to Cyrus, Larry Hedrick has fashioned a more intimate Cyrus. A new generation of readers, including executives, managers, and military officers, can now learn from Cyrus's leaderships and wisdom in Xenophon's narrative.

Genres: History, Biography, Leadership, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Classics, Politics

320 pages, ebook

Published April 1, 2007

About the author

Xenophon (Ancient Greek Ξενοφῶν, Modern Greek Ξενοφώντας; ca. 431 – 355 BC), son of Gryllus, of the deme Erchia of Athens, was a soldier, mercenary and a contemporary and admirer of Socrates. He is known for his writings on the history of his own times, preserving the sayings of Socrates, and the life of ancient Greece.

Historical and biographical works:
Anabasis (or The Persian Expedition)
Cyropaedia
Hellenica
Agesilaus

Socratic works and dialogues:
Memorabilia
Oeconomicus
Symposium
Apology
Hiero

Short treatises:
On Horsemanship
The Cavalry General
Hunting with Dogs
Ways and Means
Constitution of Sparta

Reviews

[Peiman E iran · Rating 5 out of 5]

دوستانِ گرانقدر، در این کتاب مورخِ بزرگ «گزنفون» اطلاعاتِ بسیار ارزشمند و اسنادِ مهم و خواندنی از «کوروش بزرگ» ارائه نموده است .. این کتاب را بسیاری از سیاستمداران و دولتمردانِ بزرگ در تاریخ خوانده و از آن درسها آموخته اند و خواندنِ آن را به فرزندانشان نیز سفارش کرده اند
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‎عزیزانم، این کتاب از 8 فصل تشکیل شده است که هر فصل بخش هایِ گوناگونی دارد و یکی از زیباترین و بهترین فصل های آن، فصل هفتم است که زنده یاد «کوروش» در بسترِ مرگ آرمیده است و سفارش هایِ بسیار دلنشین و زیبایی به فرزندانش میکند
‎البته در آغازِ کتاب به طورِ کلی در موردِ نحوۀ آموزش و پرورشِ ایرانیان و چگونگیِ آماده سازیِ فرزندانِ خود برایِ زندگی و دفاع از خاکِ سرزمینشان نیز توضیحاتی عالی ارائه نموده است که تنها میتوان افسوس خورد که چه بوده ایم و اکنون به چه اوضاع و احوالِ فلاکت باری رسیده ایم
‎البته دوستانِ خردگرا، تنها نظم و قدرتِ کوروش، او را بزرگ نکرده است، اگر از کوروش، که پادشاهِ هخامنشیان بود، هنوز به نیکی یاد میکنند و بزرگمردِ تاریخ لقبش داده اند و حرمت پادشاهی اش را، از دیگران متمایز کرده اند، از آن روست که او، جامعۀ روزگارِ خویش را به آموزشها و آدابی وادار کرده بود که در آن آداب و قوانین، زنان از ارزش و جایگاه بالایی برخوردار بودند و برابری انسانها در آن اموزش و آداب اهمیت زیادی داشته است... کوروش، خود نیز در زندگی شخصی بر این آداب پایبند بود.. او بدونِ اجازه و بوسه بر دستانِ همسر و مادرِ خویش، به هیچ کاری تن در نمیداد و کاری را آغاز نمیکرد
‎تازیانِ مسلمان و عرب پرستان و پیامبرشان، به خواب هم به آداب و بزرگداریِ ایرانیان و پادشاهانِ ایرانی دست نمیافتند، همانطور که آنقدر خرافاتی و بیخرد بودند که به تصورشان، تخت جمشید ساختۀ جن و پری بوده است... عجیب آن است که این بیابانی ها قرار بوده با دین و مذهبشان، به ما آداب انسانی بیاموزند... کسانی قرار بوده به ما روشِ زندگی را آموزش دهند که حتی ارزش و گرامشِ جنسِ زن و کرامتِ انسانی را فهم نمیکردند
در ریویوهایِ دیگر، در موردِ آدابِ کوروش نوشته ام... بنابراین در این ریویو تنها به نحوۀ فرماندهی و هوشِ بالایِ این مردِ تاریخی، میپردازم
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‎ مورخِ گرامی، «گزنفون» نوشته است: در یک دسته که از 500 ارابۀ جنگی تشکیل میشد، 500 مردِ ورزیده و جنگی، 2000 رأس اسب و 500 ارابه ران، باید از بینِ بهترین افراد انتخاب میشدند، و چون ارابه ران ها ممکن بود در جنگ به راحتی کشته شوند... بنابراین «کوروش» چرخ هایِ ارابه ها را محکمتر و قوی تر ساخت، تا از محورِ خود خارج نشوند و نشکنند... طولِ محورِ آنها را زیاد کرد و محلِ نشستنِ ارابه ران را از چوبی ضخیم به مانندِ یک برج ساخت، تا ارابه ران به راحتی اسب ها را براند... در دو انتهایِ محورِ چرخ ها دو آهن به شکلِ داسِ تیز و بُرنده قرار داد و در زیرِ آن قطعۀ دیگری نصب کرد تا دسته هایِ دشمن را به راحتی تار و مار و پراکنده کند. دیگر اقداماتِ مهمِ وی تشکیلِ دستۀ " شتر سواران" بود، که در جنگ با پادشاهِ «لیدی» برایِ نخستین بار از آنها بهره برد. چراکه سوارانِ «کروزوس» پادشاهِ لیدی در سرتاسرِ دنیا در مهارت و چابکی مشهور بودند و لرزه بر اندامِ دشمنانشان انداخته بودند... کوروش برایِ درهم شکستنِ آنها ابتکار تازه و عجیبی بکار برد، بدین ترتیب که گروهی شتر سوارِ چابک تشکیل داد که در روزِ نبرد با شمشیرهایِ آخته و فریادکشان به سویِ سواره نظامِ لیدی هجوم بردند، و اسب هایِ لیدیایی که تا آن روز شتر ندیده بودند، با دیدنِ هیکلِ بزرگ و قیافۀ عجیبِ شترسواران، وحشت زده و دست و پا گم کرده به این سو و آن سو میگریختند و بدین ترتیب، کوروش توانست به آسانی آنها را شکست داده و به افسانۀ شکست ناپذیر بودنِ سواره نظامِ لیدی پایان بخشد
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‎دوستانِ بزرگوار، کارِ کوروش از آن جهت بسیار بزرگ بود که رهبریِ چنان ارتشِ بزرگ که ترکیبی از ده ها ملتِ گوناگون و با آداب و رسوم و زبان و اسلحه و روشِ جنگیِ خاص بود، کاری بسیار دشوار و بزرگ میباشد
‎این پادشاه بزرگ با همین تدبیر و رهبری خارق العاده، توانست سرزمین هایِ لیدیه، آسیایِ صغیر، یونان، قبایلِ وحشی در شرق ایران و بسیاری از سرزمین هایِ اطراف را تسخیر کند و در مدتی کوتاه بزرگترین امپراتوریِ جهان را تشکیل دهد
‎عزیزانم، گزنفون یکی از فرامینِ کوروش بزرگ را در موردِ آرایش نظامی و تدبیرِ وی در نظمِ لشگرش در کتاب آورده است و از زبانِ کوروش نوشته است که: تو ای «کیرزانتاس» به سِمتِ فرماندۀ سپرداران منصوب میشوی و باید پیشاپیشِ ستون ها حرکت کنی، چون راه هموار و باز است، باید صفوف از جبهه حرکت کنند، هر گروهان در یک صف و با سرعتِ زیاد حرکت کند.. من مایلم که سربازانِ "سبک اسلحه" پیشتاز باشند... «آرتاباز» پیاده نظام و سوارانِ "پارسی" را فرماندهی خواهد کرد و «هاندامیاس» پیاده نظامِ "ماد" را فرماندهی کرده و «امباس» فرماندۀ دسته هایِ "ارمنیان" است و «آرت سوکاس» فرماندۀ "هیرکانیان" است و «تامبراداس» پیاده نظامِ "ساسیها" را و «داتاماس» پیاده نظامِ "کادوزی" را فرماندهی خواهند کرد... همۀ سپاهیان باید به نحوی حرکت کنند که پیاده نظامِ تیرانداز در یک جبهه، در صفوفِ مقدم باشند. کمانداران در جناحِ راستِ هر ستون و تیراندازان در جناحینِ ستون ها ... پس از پیشتازان باید سربازانِ "سنگین اسلحه" حرکت کنند. بر فرماندهانِ دسته هاست که شب، کلیۀ تجهیزاتِ هر دسته را در یک محل، پیش از آنکه به استراحت بپردازند، بی انبازند (پخش و به اشتراک گذاشتن) و پیش از طلوعِ آفتاب همۀ تجهیزاتِ خود را بردارند و پیش از طلوعِ آفتاب همه در صفوفِ خود و با نظمِ کامل قرار بگیرند. پشتِ سرِ "سنگین اسلحه ها" سواره نظامِ تحتِ فرماندهیِ «ماراتاسی» پارسی حرکت خواهند کرد... در رأسِ هر یگان سوار، یک سوارِ دیده بان خواهد بود. و همان آرایش را خواهند داشت که پیاده نظام در صفوف دارند... پشتِ سرِ گروهِ مقدمِ سواره نظام، گروهِ "متراکم سوارها" تحتِ فرماندهیِ «رامباکاس» مادی، قرار خواهد گرفت. و تو ای «تیگران» پس از آنها نوبتِ سواره نظامِ تو است. و سپس سواره نظامِ "کادوزی" و "سایس" ، که کادوزیان در صفوفِ آخر قرار خواهند گرفت... باید تمامیِ نیروها مهرِ سکوت بر لب گذارند و شب هنگام، هوشیار باشند.. شب هنگام که چشمانِ سرباز قدرتِ دیدن ندارد، باید گوشِ او مراقب باشد. مبادا هنگامِ شب نظمِ خود را بر هم زنید، زیرا مرتب کردنِ صفوف در شب به مراتب مشکلتر است از روز.. بدین لحاظ بهتر است آرایشتان را حفظ کنید و سکوت در همه جا حاکم باشد... قراولان و پاسدارانِ شب باید متعدد و هوشیار باشند و پاسدارانِ شب باید آنقدر آهسته حرکت کنند که خوابِ سربازان بی جهت مختل نشود و راحت استراحت کنند و صبح شیپورِ آماده باش از هر سو طنین انداز شود... هدفِ ما سربازانِ دلیرِ "بابل" است. جملگی به آن سو متوجه باشید و بکوشید تا پرچمِ پیروزی را برافرازید
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‎امیدوارم از خواندنِ این ریویو لذت برده باشید
‎یادِ «کوروشِ بزرگ» و «گزنفون» همیشه زنده و گرامی باد
‎«پیروز باشید و ایرانی»

[Hanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

چقدر يك كتاب ميتونه خسته كننده باشه؟ جملات تكراري و مشابه در تمام فصل ها به شدت خسته كننده بود. اتفاق جديدي نمي افتاد و به جز شرح جنگ ها ، موضوع ديگه اي براي بحث نداشت.
از كوروش موجودي فرازميني ساخته بود كه خيلي اغراق آميز به نظر مي آمد.
به نظرم ترجمه هم خوب نبود. :)

[Richard Tullberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Passer-by, I am Cyrus, who founded the Persian Empire, and was king of Asia.
Grudge me not therefore this monument.

An amazing book by the Greek historian Xenophon, student of Socrates.
It was hard to stop reading, well into the night each segment ended with the beginning to the next.

It's focus is not on the campaign, but the people and the conduct and resolve of the campaign. Every event has something for the reader to think about, to learn and take with them into their daily life and into the understanding of events well outside of their daily life such as war. How to gain respect and trust, how to treat prisoners of war, using diplomacy to spare the hardship of civilians and how to rule with virtue are some of the topics Cyrus the Great has to understand in order to forge this new empire. Instead of conquering people, forcing them by violence to do his bidding, he engages them with respect for their freedom to choose and forge alliances based on mutual understanding and give them as allies the benefit of partaking in the decision making.

An easy read, short read, amazing read.

[Haleh · Rating 5 out of 5]

۹۷
میشه گفت یه کتاب داستانی روانشناسی آموزنده در زمینه مدیریت هست.
خیلی عالیه

[Nadienne Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure how the ending makes sense - since this seems to be the translation of Cyrus' own thoughts. I'm in the mind of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" as, spoilers, Cyrus tells us his final thoughts at the end of his life - he dies on the last page - so, I'm thinking of course of the "Castle Aaaaa" - "he wouldn't take the time to carve Aaaa as he was dying" - "maybe he was dictating"....it's an odd image that sullies an otherwise interesting book. I mean, I'm picturing him telling his sons and followers his final words as he's dying, ready to breathe his last breath, and then he tells everyone to go away so he can call in his chronicler and tell him what he just told everyone else and his final thoughts as he dies...it works in a piece of fiction, but it seems oddly out of place in a memoir.

All that being said, however, Cyrus the Great's chief message is: Don't be a dick! Be nice to people. Treat your friends well. Be humble and thankful. And just, you know, don't be an asshole, and you'll be an overall great leader and person.

[Antony Raj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who dream to be the best leaders/people should pick up this book and complete it.

Cyrus the great is not only one of the greatest kings lived in this world. He had great virtues, valour and he lived in his own principles. He stood strong for his values. He made great allies everywhere he went. He kept everyone under him very happy. He governed his whole empire with his own army. He stressed the fact in order to eat evening bread, you need to have worked to earn it through your hard work or workout. His another interesting principle is that his army should have a strong discipline in order to succeed big time. He very much understood the fact unless he could give to his people, he didn't earn the right to question his people, that too in 500 BC.

This book has whole of lot of lessons to aspiring leaders.

[SAM · Rating 4 out of 5]

رهبری یعنی رساندن افراد به اوج شایستگی . ما هدفی والا داشتیم اما برای دست یافتن به آن هر کاری را آزاد نمی دانستیم . از جمله کارهایی که پست می شمردیم دروغ گفتن بود.

[Marren · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the OG How to Win Friends and Influence People.

[Phillip Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyrus the Great must have been an amazing leader since his ideas on war and government involve much insight into human psychology. Not only was he a military genius but he knew how to win influence over others by being honorable and rewarding his best men in his ranks. Cyrus knew that it all could fall apart if leaders become luxury loving and out of touch with the needs of the people and he was right. Later Persian rulers failed to follow his example and the empire fell due to poor decision making and leadership not attuned to reality. The book also reads like a success story that ignores the role of luck on his ascent to power. Cyrus could not conquer the Assyrians if they were not as unpopular as they were within and without their empire. Other than that Cyrus was shrewd enough to realize that the empire needed to respect religious diversity to become popular among his subjects.

[Shaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's . . . Okay. There's obvious value in Xenophon's base text, but Hedrick repeatedly harms the work. From his ham-handed attempts to "freshen" the language to his repeated insistence that Cyrus, a fifth-century Persian, was somehow a secret believer in a Judeo-Christian conception of God, to his treatment of the text as if Xenophon was writing about a real person rather than projecting his now beliefs about an idealized ruler onto Cyrus, Hedrick constantly makes the book worse. Even so, it remains a worthwhile read, though perhaps better to get Hedrick's subheadings in a list, as those are at least somewhat worthwhile, and bring those with you to a better translation.

[Said · Rating 1 out of 5]

من این کتاب رو به این خاطر خوندم که اسم این کتاب تویه کتاب شهریار ماکیاوولی اومده بود و توقع خیلی بالایی از این کتاب داشتم ولی متاسفانه اگر نکته ای هم کتاب مدیریت کوروش داشته باشه همه و همه در کتاب شهریار ماکیاوولی آمده است

اگر می خواهید راجع به کوروش بیشتر بدانید کتاب شهریار بیشتر بدردتان میخورد تا این کتاب

[Sy. C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly this was pretty underwhelming. The classic works by von Clausewitz, Liddell Hart, Luttwak, etc. are far more lucid and instructive.

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyrus the Great was the founder of the first Persian Empire, the one that was destroyed two centuries or so later by Alexander the Great. He was not only a great military leader who conquered a good part of Asia, but a wise and tolerant leader -- at least in the telling of Xenophon of Athens, a Greek soldier, author and student of Socrates. Xenophon wrote his book a century after Cyrus, and other than spending some months in Persia as a Greek mercenary, had little direct knowledge of Persia and almost certainly no knowledge of the language. (Xenophon also wrote a book about his fighting days in Persia, called Anabaxis). Although Xenophon follows the broad outlines of the history of Cyrus' era, his book is essentially a piece of historical fiction. But it was fiction with a purpose, and that purpose was to lay out Xenophon's vision of an enlightened warrior-king. Larry Hedrick's version of Xenophon takes an original translation from the Greek published in 1906, and paraphrases it in modern idiomatic English, while taking considerable liberties with the text -- including adding in some material from the Bible about Cyrus freeing the Jews from their exile in Babylon and allowing them to return to Israel and Judea. He also changes the original text from the third person to the first, so that it reads as an autobiography instead of a history. The text is highly readable but is no masterpiece of elegant prose. If you're a purist, read the 1906 translation, and if you're a very scholarly purist, read it in the original Greek. I'm not much of a purist myself.

A good part of the text consists of imagined dialogue between Cyrus and his father, and Cyrus and his troops, much of it dealing with advice on how to inspire, how to rule, how to lead, how to mislead the enemy, and sometimes just on how to deal with critical details such as military logistics. In between these flights of rhetoric, exhortation and advice-giving, we see Cyrus at war. One by one, he wins over some of the subject peoples of the Assyrian empire to the west and joins his forces to theirs. He then leads the armies of the Persians and their allies against the rest of the Assyrian empire. First, he deals with the Assyrians' ally King Croesus of Lydia and, having defeated him, rolls over the Phrygians and the Cappadocians. Only then, from a position of great strength, does he assault the Assyrian capital, Babylon. But he doesn't waste his strength on frontal assaults against the fortifications of the walled city. Instead, he diverts the flow of the Euphrates river that flows through the city, and then his army makes its way into the city along the muddy riverbed, quickly overcoming the city's defenders and killing the Assyrian king. And so was born the first great Persian Empire.

The usual rendering in English of the title of Xenophon's book is Cyropaedia (meaning, "The Education of Cyrus") and was for several centuries a much-studied book in the West, both as a means of studying classical Greek and as a work of political theory disguised as a biography. Writers as varied as Rousseau, Montaigne, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were influenced by it. Most notably, it had a particularly marked effect on Machiavelli, who in effect created an updated vision of the enlightened warrior-prince, in his book The Prince. In Machiavelli's telling, virtue was mainly a means of gaining and keeping power, and was to be discarded in favor of deceit and deception when virtue no longer served that purpose. In a sense, Xenophon's book is similar, but places a much heavier stress on character, virtuous behavior and inspirational leadership, and reserves a much larger scope for them. Deception is only to be used against enemies, not against colleagues and fellow countrymen.

Some sample quotations:
"You must never arouse hopes you can't fulfill. When a leader arouses false expectations too often, he loses his power to inspire -- even when success is really within reach."

"[Discipline] can result in the obedience of compulsion. There's a shorter way to a higher goal -- the goal of voluntary obedience ... But if people think that obedience will lead them to disaster, then nothing -- not punishments, no persuasion, not even bribes -- will get them to come along. For no sane man can be lured to his own destruction."

" The more I'm persuaded of my own superiority and the high morale of my troops, the more I'm inclined to stand on my guard and make sure that I've thrown the enemy off balance. The if a leader wants to guarantee success, he has to outwit his opponent at every turn... I've trained you to be as honest as any man who ever lived, but if virtue serves to guide our actions with our friends and allies, every sort of trick can be used against our enemies." (Words of advice of to Cyrus from his father, King Cambyses)

"I deeply believe that leaders, whatever their profession, are wrong to allow distinctions of rank to flourish within their organizations. Living together on equal terms helps people develop deeper bonds and creates a common conscience."

"Leaders must always set the highest standard. In a summer campaign, leaders must always endure their share of the sun and the heat, and, in winter, the cold and frost. In all labors, leaders must prove tireless if they want to enjoy the trust of their followers."

"Know yourself, O King, and then happiness will be yours."

[Shuai Ye · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing how Xenophon managed to describe someone who's not his ideal King and revealed the King's true personality with all the charismatic features shown. Judging from the things he've done, Cyrus is truly The Great. But judging from how he did things, he's cold-hearted, sophisticated, and ambitious, like some people said, 'using people as instruments'.

Cyrus's attitude toward his uncle is the most fascinating part. Even before he march to Medes, his ambition of establishing empire by himself couldn't be hidden from his father. When he got there claiming offering help, he view Syazarees's army as some resources he could take to enrich his own. And he did, then criticizing Syazarees by implying his opinions to generals. He's so arrogant, mean, and also skeptical about Syazarees's ability. He felt shameful when Syazarees pointed it out, but not for what he've done, but what he've shown.

Cyrus seems to be like a Japanese who cares appearance more than inner virtue. Normal person get satisfied with normal things: food, drink, money, love. For Cyrus, he would never be satisfied without fame and praise. His kingdom is not the most stable one for an ordinary king to rule -- and will easily collapse if not. He didn't let any chance to show his own ability go, unless his time and energy were limited.

Xenophon didn't comment on anything. Moreover, he used all good words for all the great things Cyrus did. Still, his opinion is all there, cold-faced in deep beneath the paragraphs.

[Josh Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Some what worried about the translation, language seems almost simplistic. In the forward L. Hendrick mentions cleaning up the plot and changing from the third to the first person viewpoint. Especially the last seems like a massive change, might change the whole tone of the book which does come across as sanctimonious (suspiciously Zig Ziglar - ish).
-according to the introduction this is and edited version of a translation by Henry Graham Dakyns in 1906
-also in the introduction L. Hendrick seems to think that Machiavelli was serious. Have read in several places that he was actually sarcastic and was simply misinterpreted by assorted fascists etc. Seems like an odd thing for the editor not to know. Or, if he disagreed with that consensus, then it would be something that needed explaining. (Should read 'The Prince' --- maybe after I'm done with 'Meditations'?)

-still well worth reading.

-would be worth finding other translations also a historical biography of the real Cyrus the Great
(must have been a pretty amazing guy, at least in the PR department, his natural enemies are holding him up as example of the perfect man/leader)
-how monotheistic were the ancient Greek/Persians? The book makes many references to a supreme 'Father God'. Does this actually reflect religious beliefs of the time or is this just the editor speaking

[Paul]

From http://www.farnamstreetblog.com/reading/

Amazing. Cyrus was pretty awesome. His insights about leadership have “inspired great men from Julius Caesar to Benjamin Franklin to Lawrence of Arabia.” Peter Drucker called this book — Xenophon’s biography of Cryus — “the best book on leadership.” You’ll learn about Cyrus’ various campaigns as he conquers Babylon. While the story is old, the leadership lessons are as relevant today as they were then. Among other things “Xenophon shows you how to conduct meetings, become an expert negotiator, deal efficiently with allies, communicate by appealing to the self-interest of your followers, encourage the highest standards of performance, ensure your organization has the benefit of specialists, and prove that your words will be backed by your deeds.”

[Sina · Rating 3 out of 5]

نگاهی به فتوحات کوروش کبیر به روایت گزنفون که بیش از هر چیز شبیه به افسانه و داستان می‌باشد تا روایت تاریخی.‏
اگر هم از بُعد تاریخی خوانده شود با روایات جدیدی که اغلب متفاوت از روایات پذیرفته شده می‌باشند، روبرو می‌شویم. مانند فتح قلمرو مادیان که به روایت گزنفون این رویداد نه از روی کشور گشایی بلکه به عنوان هدیه‌ای از طرف دایی او، هوخشتره، به عنوان جهیزیه‌ای برای دخترش که او را به همسری کوروش داده بود، اهدا شده است. حال این روایت کجا و روایت معمول که کوروش به سرزمین ماد لشکرکشی کرد و آنجا را تحت سلطه خود دراورد کجا.‏
از شواهد امر هم پیداست که گزنفون دیدی بسیار مثبت به کوروش کبیر داشته است و اعمال او را بسیار شکوهمندتر از آنچه که شاید بود گزارش کرده است. هر چه هست کوروش کبیر، کبیر بوده و نامش نه از سر کشورگشایی‌هایش بلکه از نظر انسانیتی که در وجودش نهفته بود و در کمال قدرتمندی کمترین سوء استفاده‌ای از آن نکرده است، تا ابد در یادها خواهد ماند.‏

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may be the world's first leadership manual. At 2500 years old, there are obviously also things lost or gained in translation. This review is of the 2006 edition, edited by Larry Hedrick.

Plenty has been said already about this book as a self-help or business manual. I was surprised by the military focus of the writing - easily two thirds of the book covers the logistics of the battles that Cyrus fought. The latter part of the book, when he is managing the peace in his empire, is likely most relevant for today's audience.

Its modern corollary is probably The Goal - the goal today is to make money, just as it was then; it's just the methods that have changed.

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually books that are based from ancient writings tend to bore me. No offense to old history books, scriptures, etc, but they aren't exactly page turners. They have great meaning and teach lessons, but for the most part, they aren't too gripping. I loved this book because it is based off of Xenophon's ancient writings on Cyrus, but has been compiled in such a way that it really is exciting and eventful. It was a breath of fresh air to learn about a historical figure without the effort of wading through some dry, 1000+ page book that seem to dominate this category.

[Zach Landau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very short (one day) read, and an inspirational story of leadership, strategy, social mastery, and benevolence. The message is still poignant today.

I particularly liked the structure of the book. Rather than being broken into simple chapters, each aspect of the biography story-arc is preempted by a relevant adage. In this way, the reader is able to approach each few-hundred-word aspect of Cyrus' thoughts and actions with an understanding of his motives.

I ordered a few copies and sent them to friends in the Military, started new careers, endeavoring in business, etc.

[Alissa McCarthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gregg Waters loaned me this book, citing the Peter Drucker quote on the cover about it being, "Still the best book on leadership." The guiding principles are sound. Goodness knows I've worked for enough managers that didn't follow them that, when I have come across the few who did, they were notable in their exception. I understand the editor's (Larry Hedrick) desire to make the original more readable, but I felt it read like "Leadership for Dummies." By taking it our of the third-person and putting it in the first-person, I think much of the gravitas was lost.

[Ayberk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the full translation version of xenophon's book, I think one can say that this abridged and somewhat altered version misses the essence of time and thinkings of both the author and his contemporaries. Reading this book felt like some minor particulars about lifestyles, feelings, thinkings, and some other key points about the characters were omitted. However, it provides an easy read with core events and key points on leadership.

[Mirad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I ever read it teaches you how to be a dad how to be a boss how to be a leader the storytelling was something else It made me cry and the end.
Bye cyrus bye abadice bye raspas bye gobryas it was a honor knowing you people.
and a special thanks to mister Larry hedrick for these great translation.

[Arturo Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siempre hay algo que los grandes hombres del pasado nos pueden enseñar, y esto no se limita al estrecho campo del liderazgo militar. La biografía de Ciro el Grande contiene innumerables lecciones sobre coraje, disciplina y carácter.

[David Wen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy and quick read. The author does a great job of adapting the language to present day for the readers benefit. Similar to Art of War but presented as a parable through Cyrus' adventures and deeds.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a quick read and kind of like the common law version of The Art of War, but with less humility coming from the perspective of the wise leader. All in all though its maxims will still hold any leader in good stead.

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it has to be one of my all time favourites. King Cyrus was a legendary King, one of honour, virtue and uprightness, he did right toward God and men, he never become embittered by hardship, and never became conceited and proud by success. Wow - what a great inspiration.

[Aresh Roudseri]

A fantastic book, couldn't put it down. Highly recommended to anyone interested in ancient history as well as the skills of magnanimous leadership.

[Edward Reed II · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt kinda dumbed down but very entertaining and informative.

[Santhosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as 48 laws of power.