Book VII
"And it is to be observed, that every creation, even though minor, is celebrated by the writers, as is seen where they praised Alexander the Great, who, in order to break camp more secretly, did not give the signal with the trumpet, but with a hat on the end of a lance. He is also praised for having ordered his soldiers, when coming to battle with the enemy, to kneel with the left knee so that they could more strongly withstand the attack (of the enemy); which not only gave him victory, but also so much praise that all the statues erected in his honor show him in that pose."
Can't escape him!
Niccolo Machiavelli - The Art of War (1521)
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Re: Niccolo Machiavelli - The Art of War (1521)
Old Nick seems to have confused Alexander with Chabrias who is alleged to have adopted this pose when faced by Agesilaos according to an interpretation of Nepos which seems to be an error itself! For he is elsewhere described He actually seems to have ordered his men to stand at ease with shields resting against their knees and spears upright rather than 'thrown forward' as in Nepos,
When you think about, it free-choice is the only possible option.