Congratulations to Baseer Khan, the More the Better

— by Jane Ren

Recently, Baseer Khan has become the VP Engineering at Atomiton. While congratulating him, I recalled the stories of Han Xin, a brilliant military general around 200 BC in China. 

Among other things, Han Xin was known for his strategies and skills in commanding soldiers in warfare. He greatly contributed to the founding of theHan Dynasty in China by serving Liu Bang, who later became the Emperor Gaozu of Han.

One day, Liu Bang asked General Han Xin, “How many soldiers do you think someone like me can command?”

“About 100,000.” Han Xin said.

“What about you?” Liu Bang asked. 

Han Xin replied, “When it comes to me, as many as possible.”

Liu Bang laughed, “If you are so capable, the more soldiers the better, then why are you working for me?” 

Han Xin said, “Xin is good at commanding soldiers. Your Majesty is good at commanding generals. Therefore I work for you. What’s more”, Han Xin added, “Your Majesty’s gift is given by the heaven, not born by mortals.” 

The truth was, Han Xin did not want to cause trouble by offending Liu Bang, who was a man of ordinary talent. Liu Bang was lucky enough to be aided by the famous “Three Heroes of the early Han dynasty”, Han Xin, Zhang Liang and Xiao He, and was able to conquer other states and establish Han. 

Regardless, since that time, what the whole nation kept remembering and repeating, for thousands of years on, everywhere in its daily dialogues, till today, was the term “The More The Better” (多多益善).

Some would say, “When Han Xin commands soldiers, the more the better”, but many would just use “the more the better” as a general term, without even knowing where it actually originated from.

I wanted to use this story to give notice to the level of caliber a VP Engineering has, and the significance of his role.

There are many in this world who say they are good at managing “generals” (probably because there are too many business schools), but not many who can be the generals on the battlefield commanding legions and legions of warriors. Those are the real heroes who turn the pages of dynasties. And that’s why we think Baseer is, and has proven to be the perfect person as VP Engineering for Atomiton.

So please congratulate Baseer Khan, and The More The Better. 

Disclaimer: this story is not to be used in future debates of staffing decisions at Atomiton.

You can read about Han Xin here if you don’t read in 中文。