Obey Contingencies, Not People

In a big part of that politics, it's clear as the politics between mander and the ruler. A big theme in it is that the commander has to make sure that every one obeys his commands, including the ruler. But you're also not just cow towing to your subordinates. You want to win their respect, but you also want discipline. The thing that completely determines your behavior are contingencies including what trrain do you find yourself in? That has to be the thing that determines your behaviour,. Not general principles, not orders from on high, not the need to satisfy people on low... Just what's required by the circumstances.