T. E. Lawrence (1888–1935,) fully Thomas Edward Lawrence, was a British archaeological scholar, military strategist, and author. Known by the byname “Lawrence of Arabia,” he is best known as a military leader of the Arab rebellion against the Turks during World War I and for his account of those activities.
Born in Tremadoc, Caernarvonshire, Wales, Lawrence studied archaeology at Oxford and specialized in the history of the Middle East under the influence of Professor George D. Hogarth. In 1909, after a study trip to Palestine and Syria, he wrote a brilliant thesis on medieval military architecture. Between 1910 and 1914, he participated in many archaeological expeditions in Syria, Palestine, and Mesopotamia.
During his travels, Lawrence formed close ties with members of nationalist movements, particularly with the councils of Armenian and Kurdish revolutionary forces. From 1916, he helped organize the Arab revolt against the Turks in the Middle East, contributing to General Allenby’s ultimate victory in Palestine in 1918.
A superb tactician and a highly influential theoretician of guerrilla warfare, Lawrence wrote several reports on the political situation in the Middle East. His account of the Arab Revolt, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom (1926,) became one of the classics of war literature. To escape the strain of working on the book, Lawrence joined the Royal Air Force and Royal Tank Corps under assumed names, ultimately changing his name legally to T. E. Shaw. He retired in 1935 but was killed in a motorcycling accident in Dorset.
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There could be no honor in a sure success, but much might be wrested from a sure defeat.
—T. E. Lawrence
Topics: Difficulties, Adversity, Risk, Gardening, Success
This death’s livery which walled its bearers from ordinary life was sign that they have sold their wills and bodies to the State: and contracted themselves into a service not the less abject for that its beginning was voluntary.
—T. E. Lawrence
The most essential gift for a good writer is a built-in, shockproof shit detector. This is the writer’s radar and all great writers have had it.
—T. E. Lawrence
Topics: Defeat
Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and that is the test of generals.
—T. E. Lawrence
The printing press is the greatest weapon in the armoury of the modern commander.
—T. E. Lawrence
All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.
—T. E. Lawrence
Topics: Dreams, Anger, Goals, Risk
To have news value is to have a tin can tied to one’s tail.
—T. E. Lawrence
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