Themes
If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.
— Sun Tzu • The Art of War
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
The passage puts the prospect of victory above obedience. If a fight is certain to be won, one should fight even when the ruler forbids it; if it cannot be won, one should refuse even when ordered. Judgment about results outranks a ruler's instructions.
Context reviewed