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Fight Only the Battles You Can Win |
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Hence, if, in the light of the prevailing situation, fighting is sure to result in victory, then you may decide to fight even though the sovereign has issued an order not to engage. |
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If fighting does not stand a good chance of victory, you need not to fight even though the sovereign has issued an order to engage. |
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Hence, the general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only purpose is to protect his people and promote the best interests of his sovereign, is the precious jewel of the state. |
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There are two mental approaches to launching the attack: |
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| Plan everything in detail and then start going. The battle of the Somme was one of the most thoroughly organized in history. The final deployment of the British attacking force took four months and was a masterpiece of scientific management. Every unit reached its starting position on time. The result was not victory, but rather one of the worst catastrophes to befall an army in the history of war. The casualties the first day exceeded 60,000 men. | | 2. | Lay down general objectives only and start immediately. The details are filled in as the attack gains momentum. This system is used by the Israeli Defense Force.
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It would seem the choice is either to do it now or spend time preparing to do it later. How difficult it is to achieve the careful balance between getting ready and getting going. The best odds for success lie on the side of action. Most often, the person who does something has the best opportunity to become master of the situation. |
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