Self-control

Do you know why most successful men of war, were self-controlled and disciplined? And why strategists from Sun Tzu to Von Clausewitz do recommend men with these qualities to be commanders? ‘Tis because baiting and tricking is one of the essences of the art of war, getting the enemy into his fatal web, is the aim of any general, to conduct the events of war at his will capitalizing in the shortsightedness, ignorance and recklessness of the enemy.

In war, unrestrained fury and rage will only get you dead, or at the mercy of the enemy, the good general shall never be of a flaming temper, he must be cold and contextualize the current situation in greater frame of war, seeking the best way to come up with a quickly and decisive victory.

Reckless and arrogant men, will fall for any trap you set up, be it for their ineptness for seeing things in the long run of the war, be it for their great sense of self-worth, they will get trapped, baited, lured, touted into their own obliteration.

Guard thyself from strong emotions, be calm and constant in the course of war, for, doubt it not, the enemy will try to bait you with soothing words, apparently comfortable situations, heinous slanders against your dignity and the honor of your people, ignoble acts and so on, ad nauseum… The fit general shall never fall for these lures as long as he maintains a strictly control over himself, his emotions, and tendencies….

“All war is based on deception.” ~ Sun tzu

 

“It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.” ~ Sun Tzu