Command 38
28) When officers are valiant and the troops are
ineffective, the army is in distress.
29) When senior officers are angry and insubordinate
and upon encountering the enemy rush into battle
with no understanding of the feasibility of engaging
and without awaiting orders; the army is in a
state of collapse.
30) There are five qualities that are dangerous in the
character of a general:
31) An overly valiant general will be certain to enter an
engagement recklessly; he will not appreciate
what is advantageous.
32) One who esteems life above all else will be
overcome with hesitancy. Hesitancy in a general
is a great calamity.
33) One easily angered is irascible, obstinate and hasty.
He does not consider difficulties and therefore can
be brought to his death.
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Command 39
34) If he has too delicate a sense of honor, you can
slander him. One anxious to defend his reputation
pays no regard to anything else.
35) He who is overly humanitarian and compassionate,
fearing only casualties, cannot give up temporary
advantage for a long term gain. He is unable to let
go of one thing in order to seize another. These five
shortcomings should be deeply pondered.
36) Good commanders are both loved and feared.
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