"The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom." Art of War.
Knowing when to retreat, when to take account of your opponent; knowing when to admit defeat in a battle, to recollect yourself in order to win in a war, is essential.
Standing up just to prove your bravery, is just as foolish as constantly hiding. Holding back, and thinking, can be valuable in a fight. Don't be so fast to call an action moronic when it can, at times, make strategic sense.