Synopsis: The story of how a prince of a province rose to become a king of an empire. The book goes through Cyrus’s philosophies and values and how this leads to his success.
Key Takeaways
Book 1
I was the product of a strict warrior culture, and I learned early on to suppress my emotions and respond to danger with great composure
Never make a promise when your happy and a decision when your angry
I conquered far more by the force of my mental powers than by the strength of my sinews
Mind over muscle
The full extent of my plans would gradually be unfolded to my officers. To shock them with the whole truth at the beginning would cause too many of them to shy away.
Play your cards right
Book 3
Rather than welcoming me like a gentleman and recalling the past that we had shared, Syazarees immediately started asking questions that revealed his doubts and fears. First he demanded to know how great an army I had brought with me.
In times of crisis, be calm
I deeply believe that leaders, whatever their profession, are wrong to allow distinction of rank to flourish 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.
Look to limit any tension caused by the rank
Book 4
There was only one remedy for this situation, in action against the enemy, both officer and commoners would find release from their hardening rivalries. I harboured no doubt that imminent danger would reawaken their dense of fellowship
Common hardship makes teams closer
As the critical hour approached everyone would cast away all thoughts of rivalry, and they would see their comrades for what they really were – their closet allies in the struggle for the common good.
The battle separates the men from the boys
Book 5
For a moment I wondered whether I could trust my ears, had any king ever surrendered so much so heedlessly? Already deep in his cups, my uncle was oblivious to the gravity of the moment, which I aimed to take advantage of
Be careful what you give away and at the same time take advantage when people don’t know what they have.
Book 6
Allow me to pause and emphasize this general rule: Success always calls for greater generosity – though most people, lost in the darkness of their own egos, treat it as an occasion for greater greed.
When you are successful be happy to give more then ever before
Book 7
Let my readers note that there’s no great need of long speeches at critical moments. Brevity is the soul of command. I’d used fewer than a hundred words to rescue my plans from a direct assault by my uncle. Too much talking suggest desperation on the part of the leader. Speak shortly, decisively and to the point – and couch your desires in such natural logic that no can raise objections. Then move on.
Clear and concise
Book 9
So then I summarized Mandarus will capture the place from within and turn it over to us. In war a man can sometimes do his friends a world of good by pretending to be their enemy
High cunning where possible
I was pleased to hear that anger was consuming him, for nothing is better than anger for driving an enemy to foolhardy extremes.
The art of war
Book 15
If we let ourselves grow soft, I warned them, we’ll betray our true selves. Before long, the loss of our honour will render us impotent. If we turn our backs on the strenuous life, we’ll destroy both our power and our wealth
Problem solving makes us great
Book 16
All through my life I paid reverence to God because, first and last, my faith was deep and genuine. As the ruler of a mighty empire, I showed myself more eager then ever to praise and thank the Father God and the other gods, his eternal sons and daughters, beginning each day by chanting a hymn and sacrificing to whichever divinities the priests might name.
Start the day right
But when I became rich, I realized that no kindness between man and man comes more naturally than sharing food and drink, especially food and drink of the ambrosial excellence that I could now provide.
Eating and drinking together will make bonds stronger
Wining and dining and bestowing gifts to the powerful
Keep your enemies satisfied by eating, drinking and sharing with them
But I’ve decided to make my friends rich and they become living treasuries for me, and they are better at guarding their gold than any watchmen could ever be
Rich and powerful friends are as important as being rich and powerful
Openly reward your best people
Give credit where credit is due
He has the knack of showing up whenever I need him
Be useful
His strength is no more supernatural than your own, nor is his virtue and by himself he could never preserve the good things that belong by right to everyone. To govern well, he must have your help – the help of his true, trustworthy friends. You must forever be worthy of his trust, and you must raise up true friends of your own, to help you carry your own burdens. And it is love that must bind all of us together.
Cultivate good friends through love and trust
God and all you gods, please accept this sacrifice, my offering for all the good things that have filled my life. I thank you from the depths of my heart for the grace you have shown me, inspiring me throughout my life, allowing me to know what things I ought to do, and where I ought to stay my hand. My gratitude is very deep, for you have kept me from spoiling my heart with pride, for you have kept me from spoiling my heart with pride, even in the greatest prosperity. I beseech you to now bless my children also and my sweet wife and my friends and all my realm
A pray for all men
You must never imagine that such loyal hearts spring up like grass in the field. No, every leader must actively raise up his followers and you must win their hearts by the kindness that springs from love
As above work on your friendships so you can have allies
If God requires reverence so does the human race, and you must treat all people with benevolence. As great men, your deeds will be known to all humankind. If you are righteous, everyone will call you blessed.
In gods eye we are all equal, thus treat all men equally
Final Thoughts
A good book about how to act and take advantage of certain situations. It has a common thread with other leaders, be proactive, build strong relationships and share the credit and rewards. 8/10
Stranger in Sydney 