There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general:
(1)
Recklessness, which leads to destruction;
(2)
cowardice, which leads to capture;
(3)
a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults;
(4)
a delicacy of honour which is sensitive to shame;
(5)
over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.
These are the five besetting sins of a general, ruinous to the conduct of war.