Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle, there may be seeming disorder and yet no real disorder at all.

There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.

When the leader is morally weak and his discipline not strict, when his instructions and guidance are not enlightened, when there are no consistent rules, neighboring rulers will take advantage of this.

And regulation entails organizational effectiveness, a chain of command, and a structure for logistical support.

The essential factor of military success is speed, that is taking advantage of others' unpreparedness or lack of foresight, their failure to catch up, going by routes they do not expect, attacking where they are not on guard. This you cannot accomplish with hesitation.

One who has few must prepare against the enemy; one who has many makes the enemy prepare against him.

If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.