Patton presents discipline as something that should be consistent rather than partial or dependent on circumstances. In a military setting, he regarded reliable obedience to standards, procedures and orders as essential because hesitation or inconsistency could have serious consequences. The emphatic wording reflects his belief that discipline loses much of its value if it is applied only when convenient.

The statement also suggests that discipline is established through repeated habits and clear expectations. Soldiers and officers must know what is required of them and be prepared to meet those standards even when tired, frightened or under pressure. Patton’s formulation is deliberately absolute, but its underlying point is about reliability: disciplined behaviour should remain dependable when conditions become difficult. More broadly, the quotation expresses the idea that standards are most meaningful when they are maintained consistently rather than treated as optional in challenging situations.