The Strengths of a General

A general’s cultivation of virtue comprises “five strengths” and “eight evils.” High moral integrity can encourage the customs of the world; filial piety and fraternal duty can make one’s name known; trustworthiness and righteousness can win true friends; deep and thorough deliberation can accommodate the multitude; and earnest practice can establish merit—these are the five strengths of a general. Conversely, if strategy is insufficient to distinguish right from wrong; if courtesy is insufficient to appoint the worthy and good; if governance is insufficient to rectify laws and punishments; if wealth is insufficient to relieve the poor and distressed; if wisdom is insufficient to guard against trouble before it takes shape; if deliberation is insufficient to prevent slight faults from growing; if in prominence one cannot recommend talent one knows; and if in failure one cannot be free of resentment and slander—these are what are called the eight evils. Modern Application:The previous chapter, “Arrogance and Stinginess of a General,” revealed how arrogance and......