It is easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general

Definition & Meaning of "it is easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general"

it is easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general

used to imply that it is easier to find people who are willing to follow and do the work, but it is much harder to find someone who has the skills and qualities to lead a group effectively

Proverb

What is the origin of the proverb "it is easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general" and when to use it?

The proverb "it is easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general" is often attributed to the Chinese philosopher and military strategist Sun Tzu, whose work 'The Art of War' has influenced military thinking for centuries. It highlights the value of strong leadership in achieving success and underscores the importance of having a capable guide to navigate challenges. This proverb also points out that effective leadership requires more than just authority; it requires intelligence, strategy, and the ability to inspire and direct others.

Example

In education, it takes a skilled and experienced principal to create a positive and effective learning environment for students, as it is easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general.