Peruse again and again the campaigns of Alexander, Hannibal, Cæsar,
Gustavus Adolphus, Turenne, Eugene, and Frederick. Model yourself
upon them. This is the only means of becoming a great captain, and
of acquiring the secret of the art of war. Your own genius will be
enlightened and improved by this study, and you will learn to reject
all maxims foreign to the principles of these great commanders.