sun tzu. art of war. Chapter 8. Variation in tactics. Verse 12,13,14
subject of meditation:
- There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general:
(1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction;
(2) cowardice,
which leads to capture;
(3) a hasty temper, which can be
provoked by insults;
(4) a delicacy of honor which is sensitive to
shame;
(5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to
worry and trouble.
These are the five besetting sins of a general, ruinous to the
conduct of war.When an army is overthrown and its leader slain, the cause
will surely be found among these five dangerous faults. Let them
be a subject of meditation.