Erwin Rommel was a German general and military theorist A defining scene took place after Patton, played by George C. Scott, beat Rommel’s Tank Division. He had set a brilliant trap for the tanks and when the dust cleared after the battle was over, Patton was delighted with the victory and seemed to be talking directly to Rommel as he looked over the battle scene and yelled out joyfully. “Rommel I read your book”.

Study your competition! The lesson from Patton’s claim that he read Rommel’s book is that he beat Rommel’s forces on the battlefield. He felt it was important to understand more about his opponent.