If not in the interests of the state, do not act. If you cannot succeed, do not use troops. If you are not in danger, do not fight.
Sun TzuOrder or disorder depends on organisation and direction; courage or cowardice on circumstances; strength or weakness on tactical dispositions.
Sun TzuThere are three ways in which a ruler can bring misfortune on his army: By commanding the army to advance or to retreat, being ignorant of the fact that it cannot obey. This is called hobbling the army. By attempting to govern an army in the same way as he administers a kingdom, being ignorant of the conditions which obtain in an army. This causes restlessness in the soldier's minds. By employing the officers of his army without discrimination, through ignorance of the military principle of adaptation to circumstances. This shakes the confidence of the soldiers.
Sun Tzu