Some words of wisdom from long ago:
Since the ruler and commander-in-chief control the state's destiny, Sun-tzu discussed their qualifications. Variously identifying critical abilities and characteristics, assets and liabilities. Coupled with his assertions regarding the necessary independence of the commander once in the field, they are viewed as providing clear evidence of the rise and presence of the professional general, although such qualities would equally be necessary for any ruler, whether administering the state or serving as his own field commander.(132)
Many of the military and philosophical writings propose ideal combinations of traits, universally giving priority to COURAGE or WISDOM. In the traditional edition of The Art Of War the first list appears in "Innitial Estimations:" wisdom, credibility, benevolence, courage, and strictness. Commentators would generally emphasize the placement of "wisdom" before courage, although the book does not otherwise discuss any reason for its priority [because it is a given, I think.] However, focusing upon wisdom fully accords with the importance bestowed in the book upon calculations, knowledge and tactical expertise. (133)
Abstracting the requisite traits and abilities, and correlating them with the weaknesses specifically mentioned in The Art Of War, yields the following comprehensive portrait: (133)
Strengths Weaknesses
Wisdom unenlightened
Knowledge
Credibility brutalizes and fears the masses
Strictness not strict
Benevolent loves the people
Courage commited to life
(a nice way to say "coward")
skillful analyst unable to fathom the enemy
unconcerned by fame obsessed with achieving fame [sic]
unconcerned by punishment [Republican Congress]
places army first [I laugh aloud]
tranquil easily angered
obscure hasty to act
upright arrogant
self-disciplined weak
strong commander poor commander
clever/inventive [I laugh again]
all-encompassing talents
(133)
(Tzu-Sun,Sawyer, Ralph D.(1994) Art of War, The P.132-133, New York: Barnes & Noble Books.)
I thought that this was highly worth citing today.
Thx,
Andrew