Character Faults Quotes

“There are five qualities which are dangerous in the character of a general:

If reckless, he can be killed. A general who is stupid and courageous is a calamity. As far as a general is concerned, courage is but one quality.

If cowardly, captured. One who esteems life above all will be overcome with hesitance. Hesitance in a general is a great calamity.

If quick-tempered you can make a fool of him. An impulsive man can be provoked to rage and brought to his death. One easily angered is irascible, obstinate and hasty. He does not consider difficulties.

If he has too delicate a sense of honor you can calumniate him. One anxious to defend his reputation pays no regard to anything else.

If he is of a compassionate nature you can harass him. He who is humanitarian and compassionate and fears only casualties cannot give up temporary advantage for a long-term gain and is unable to let go this in order to seize that.

Now these five traits of character are serious faults in a general and in military operations are calamitous. The ruin of the army and the death of the general are inevitable results of these shortcomings. They must be deeply pondered.”
― Sun Tzu, The Art of War