Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1157IR // #c1157Synthesis

"suppose we make it a rule that every one who receives a horse from me shall be considered to disgrace himself if he is seen trudging afoot, be his journey long or short?"

— In our words · Source: Cyropaedia (Xenophon)

[Use when]

You're introducing a new tool or skill and people keep slipping back to the old way.

[Why it matters]

Cyrus was building a Persian cavalry from foot soldiers. Tying status to the new skill made riding a matter of pride, and Xenophon says Persian gentlemen still avoided being seen on foot in his day.

Filed under situations:When the team is looking to you to lead

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