 The contributors to "the Methods of the Sima" stress that appropriate civil and military roles must be distinguished because of their contradictory values.Civilian culture is judged to be severe, remote, and languid, placing value in courtesy and benevolence, while military culture is judged to be severe, stern, and active, placing value in order and discipline.The writers of the "Methods" stress that the Virtue (德) of the people will decline both when civilians act in ways that are appropriate for soldiers, and when soldiers act in ways that are appropriate for civilians.