If you must
Examples
Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.
If you must have motivation, think of your paycheck on Friday.
If you must speak ill of another, do not speak it, write it in the sand near the water's edge.
If you must be a servant, serve the rich; if you must be a dog, let it be a temple dog.
If you must battle your enemy, hit him where it hurts him most.
You will never have a friend if you must have one without faults.