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Genghis Khan enforced a strict code of laws known as the 'Yassa. ' This code governed everything from military tactics to social behavior, with severe punishments for disobedience. He believed that discipline was the only thing that could keep his empire together. 'If you are afraid — don't do it, - if you are doing it — don't be afraid! ' He taught his soldiers that their survival depended on their absolute adherence to the plan and their mutual support. His legacy is proof that a disciplined minority can overcome a disorganized majority.
"He who can conquer his own mind can conquer a thousand enemies."
"A man must have a clear purpose; without it, he is like a rider without a horse."
"The morning sun should find you already at your labor."
"He who can drink, may drink; but he should not get drunk."
"A person should not seek to be known; he should seek to be worth knowing."
"The law is the foundation of the empire; if the leader breaks it, the empire breaks."
"Remember, you have no companions but your shadow."
"One's words should be like a stone thrown into a deep well; they should settle and stay."
"He who can manage his own house can manage a province."
"A man's greatest work is to conquer himself, for only then can he conquer the world."
"Conquering an army is easy; conquering oneself is hard."
"Do not let the distractions of the feast cloud the objectives of the campaign."
"Let there be no doubt in your purpose, for doubt is the rust of the soul."
"Prepare with such intensity that the battle itself feels like a rest."
"If you cannot be of one mind with your brothers, you will never be of one mind with your destiny."
"Do not allow the commands of the Great Khan to be disobeyed."
"He who cannot obey cannot command."
"To conquer the world, one must first conquer the self."
"The hunter who sleeps is the hunter who hungers."
"A man’s word should be a bond that no sword can sever."
"A promise made must be a promise kept, or the heavens will fall."
"To lead an army, one must first lead oneself."
"He who can keep a secret is fit to rule."
"How can one expect to rule others if he cannot rule himself?"
"Without the discipline of the law, the people are like a herd without a shepherd."
"The merit of an action lies in finishing it to the end."
"A warrior’s focus must be sharper than his blade."
"Prosperity is built on the ruins of the lazy."
"He who can conquer himself is more fit to conquer the world."
"When the mind is divided, the sword is dull."
"A commander's first duty is to his own discipline."
"The Yassa is not a suggestion; it is the structure that allows for freedom of action."
"If you cannot swallow your pride, you cannot lead."
"If you are afraid - don't do it; if you do it - don't be afraid."
"A man who cannot control his own household cannot control an empire."
Seeing how Genghis Khan approaches Discipline helps you apply the idea with more precision.
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