THE ART OF WAR - SUN TZU
The Oldest Military Treatise in the World
Translated from the Chinese By Lionel Giles, M.A. (1910)
“Carefully compare the opposing army with your own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.” – Sun-Tzu (500BC) Chinese Military Strategist, Philosopher
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Sun-Tzu on The Art of War has 13 chapters. Click on the Sun Tzu Chapter Number and go directly.
Chapter I. Laying Plans
Chapter II. Waging War
Chapter III. ATTACK BY STRATAGEM
Chapter IV. TACTICAL DISPOSITIONS
Chapter V. ENERGY
Chapter VI. WEAK POINTS AND STRONG
Chapter VII. MANEUVERING
Chapter VIII. VARIATION IN TACTICS
Chapter IX. THE ARMY ON THE MARCH
Chapter X. TERRAIN
Chapter XI. THE NINE SITUATIONS
Chapter XII. THE ATTACK BY FIRE
Chapter XIII. THE USE OF SPIES
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I. LAYING PLANS
1. Sun Tzu said: The art of war is of vital importance to the State. 2. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected. 3. The art of war, then, is governed by five constant factors, to be taken into account in one’s deliberations, when seeking to determine the conditions obtaining in the field. 4. These are: (1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline. 5,6. The Moral Law causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger. 7. Heaven signifies night and day, cold and heat, times and seasons. 8. Earth comprises distances, great and small; danger and security; open ground and narrow passes; the chances of life and death. 9. The Commander stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerely, benevolence, courage and strictness.10. By method and discipline are to be understood
the marshaling of the army in its proper subdivisions, the graduations of rank among the officers, the maintenance of roads by which supplies may reach the army, and the control of military expenditure.11. These five heads should be familiar to every general:
he who knows them will be victorious; he who knows them not will fail.12. Therefore, in your deliberations, when seeking
to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise:—13. (1) Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral law? (2) Which of the two generals has most ability? (3) With whom lie the advantages derived from Heaven and Earth? (4) On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced? (5) Which army is stronger? (6) On which side are officers and men more highly trained? (7) In which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment?
14. By means of these seven considerations I can
forecast victory or defeat.15. The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts
upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat:—let such a one be dismissed!16. While heading the profit of my counsel,
avail yourself also of any helpful circumstances over and beyond the ordinary rules.17. According as circumstances are favorable,
one should modify one’s plans.18. All warfare is based on deception.
19. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable;
when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.20. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder,
and crush him.21. If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him.
If he is in superior strength, evade him.22. If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to
irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.23. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest.
If his forces are united, separate them.24. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where
you are not expected.25. These military devices, leading to victory,
must not be divulged beforehand.26. Now the general who wins a battle makes many
calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.Top of Page
II. WAGING WAR
10. Poverty of the State exchequer causes an army
to be maintained by contributions from a distance. Contributing to maintain an army at a distance causes the people to be impoverished.11. On the other hand, the proximity of an army causes
prices to go up; and high prices cause the people’s substance to be drained away.12. When their substance is drained away, the peasantry
will be afflicted by heavy exactions.13,14. With this loss of substance and exhaustion
of strength, the homes of the people will be stripped bare, and three-tenths of their income will be dissipated; while government expenses for broken chariots, worn-out horses, breast-plates and helmets, bows and arrows, spears and shields, protective mantles, draught-oxen and heavy wagons, will amount to four-tenths of its total revenue.15. Hence a wise general makes a point of foraging
on the enemy. One cartload of the enemy’s provisions is equivalent to twenty of one’s own, and likewise a single picul of his provender is equivalent to twenty from one’s own store.16. Now in order to kill the enemy, our men must
be roused to anger; that there may be advantage from defeating the enemy, they must have their rewards.17. Therefore in chariot fighting, when ten or more chariots
have been taken, those should be rewarded who took the first. Our own flags should be substituted for those of the enemy, and the chariots mingled and used in conjunction with ours. The captured soldiers should be kindly treated and kept.18. This is called, using the conquered foe to augment
one’s own strength.19. In war, then, let your great object be victory,
not lengthy campaigns.20. Thus it may be known that the leader of armies
is the arbiter of the people’s fate, the man on whom it depends whether the nation shall be in peace or in peril.Top of Page
III. ATTACK BY STRATAGEM
10. Hence, though an obstinate fight may be made
by a small force, in the end it must be captured by the larger force.11. Now the general is the bulwark of the State;
if the bulwark is complete at all points; the State will be strong; if the bulwark is defective, the State will be weak.12. There are three ways in which a ruler can bring
misfortune upon his army:—13. (1) By commanding the army to advance or to retreat, being ignorant of the fact that it cannot obey. This is called hobbling the army.
14. (2) By attempting to govern an army in the
same way as he administers a kingdom, being ignorant of the conditions which obtain in an army. This causes restlessness in the soldier’s minds.15. (3) By employing the officers of his army
without discrimination, through ignorance of the military principle of adaptation to circumstances. This shakes the confidence of the soldiers.16. But when the army is restless and distrustful,
trouble is sure to come from the other feudal princes. This is simply bringing anarchy into the army, and flinging victory away.17. Thus we may know that there are five essentials
for victory: (1) He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. (2) He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces. (3) He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks. (4) He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared. (5) He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.18. Hence the saying: If you know the enemy
and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.Top of Page
IV. TACTICAL DISPOSITIONS
10. To lift an autumn hair is no sign of great strength;
to see the sun and moon is no sign of sharp sight; to hear the noise of thunder is no sign of a quick ear.11. What the ancients called a clever fighter is
one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.12. Hence his victories bring him neither reputation
for wisdom nor credit for courage.13. He wins his battles by making no mistakes.
Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.14. Hence the skillful fighter puts himself into
a position which makes defeat impossible, and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy.15. Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist
only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.16. The consummate leader cultivates the moral law,
and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.17. In respect of military method, we have,
firstly, Measurement; secondly, Estimation of quantity; thirdly, Calculation; fourthly, Balancing of chances; fifthly, Victory.18. Measurement owes its existence to Earth;
Estimation of quantity to Measurement; Calculation to Estimation of quantity; Balancing of chances to Calculation; and Victory to Balancing of chances.19. A victorious army opposed to a routed one, is as
a pound’s weight placed in the scale against a single grain.20. The onrush of a conquering force is like the bursting
of pent-up waters into a chasm a thousand fathoms deep.Top of Page
V. ENERGY
10. In battle, there are not more than two methods
of attack—the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of manoeuvres.11. The direct and the indirect lead on to each other in turn.
It is like moving in a circle—you never come to an end. Who can exhaust the possibilities of their combination?12. The onset of troops is like the rush of a torrent
which will even roll stones along in its course.13. The quality of decision is like the well-timed
swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.14. Therefore the good fighter will be terrible
in his onset, and prompt in his decision.15. Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow;
decision, to the releasing of a trigger.16. Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle, there may
be seeming disorder and yet no real disorder at all; amid confusion and chaos, your array may be without head or tail, yet it will be proof against defeat.17. Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline,
simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.18. Hiding order beneath the cloak of disorder is
simply a question of subdivision; concealing courage under a show of timidity presupposes a fund of latent energy; masking strength with weakness is to be effected by tactical dispositions.19. Thus one who is skillful at keeping the enemy
on the move maintains deceitful appearances, according to which the enemy will act. He sacrifices something, that the enemy may snatch at it.20. By holding out baits, he keeps him on the march;
then with a body of picked men he lies in wait for him.21. The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined
energy, and does not require too much from individuals. Hence his ability to pick out the right men and utilize combined energy.22. When he utilizes combined energy, his fighting
men become as it were like unto rolling logs or stones. For it is the nature of a log or stone to remain motionless on level ground, and to move when on a slope; if four-cornered, to come to a standstill, but if round-shaped, to go rolling down.23. Thus the energy developed by good fighting men
is as the momentum of a round stone rolled down a mountain thousands of feet in height. So much on the subject of energy.Top of Page
VI. WEAK POINTS AND STRONG
10. You may advance and be absolutely irresistible,
if you make for the enemy’s weak points; you may retire and be safe from pursuit if your movements are more rapid than those of the enemy.11. If we wish to fight, the enemy can be forced
to an engagement even though he be sheltered behind a high rampart and a deep ditch. All we need do is attack some other place that he will be obliged to relieve.12. If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent
the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.13. By discovering the enemy’s dispositions and remaining
invisible ourselves, we can keep our forces concentrated, while the enemy’s must be divided.14. We can form a single united body, while the
enemy must split up into fractions. Hence there will be a whole pitted against separate parts of a whole, which means that we shall be many to the enemy’s few.15. And if we are able thus to attack an inferior force
with a superior one, our opponents will be in dire straits.16. The spot where we intend to fight must not be
made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few.17. For should the enemy strengthen his van,
he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left. If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.18. Numerical weakness comes from having to prepare
against possible attacks; numerical strength, from compelling our adversary to make these preparations against us.19. Knowing the place and the time of the coming battle,
we may concentrate from the greatest distances in order to fight.20. But if neither time nor place be known,
then the left wing will be impotent to succour the right, the right equally impotent to succour the left, the van unable to relieve the rear, or the rear to support the van. How much more so if the furthest portions of the army are anything under a hundred LI apart, and even the nearest are separated by several LI!21. Though according to my estimate the soldiers
of Yueh exceed our own in number, that shall advantage them nothing in the matter of victory. I say then that victory can be achieved.22. Though the enemy be stronger in numbers, we may
prevent him from fighting. Scheme so as to discover his plans and the likelihood of their success.23. Rouse him, and learn the principle of his
activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.24. Carefully compare the opposing army with your own,
so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.25. In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch
you can attain is to conceal them; conceal your dispositions, and you will be safe from the prying of the subtlest spies, from the machinations of the wisest brains.26. How victory may be produced for them out of the enemy’s
own tactics—that is what the multitude cannot comprehend.27. All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer,
but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.28. Do not repeat the tactics which have gained
you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.29. Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its
natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards.30. So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong
and to strike at what is weak.31. Water shapes its course according to the nature
of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.32. Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape,
so in warfare there are no constant conditions.33. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his
opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven-born captain.34. The five elements (water, fire, wood, metal, earth)
are not always equally predominant; the four seasons make way for each other in turn. There are short days and long; the moon has its periods of waning and waxing.Top of Page
VII. MANEUVERING
10. If you march thirty LI with the same object,
two-thirds of your army will arrive.11. We may take it then that an army without its
baggage-train is lost; without provisions it is lost; without bases of supply it is lost.12. We cannot enter into alliances until we are
acquainted with the designs of our neighbors.13. We are not fit to lead an army on the march
unless we are familiar with the face of the country—its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps.14. We shall be unable to turn natural advantage
to account unless we make use of local guides.15. In war, practice dissimulation, and you will succeed.
16. Whether to concentrate or to divide your troops,
must be decided by circumstances.17. Let your rapidity be that of the wind,
your compactness that of the forest.18. In raiding and plundering be like fire,
is immovability like a mountain.19. Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night,
and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.20. When you plunder a countryside, let the spoil be
divided amongst your men; when you capture new territory, cut it up into allotments for the benefit of the soldiery.21. Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.
22. He will conquer who has learnt the artifice
of deviation. Such is the art of manoeuvring.23. The Book of Army Management says: On the field
of battle, the spoken word does not carry far enough: hence the institution of gongs and drums. Nor can ordinary objects be seen clearly enough: hence the institution of banners and flags.24. Gongs and drums, banners and flags, are means
whereby the ears and eyes of the host may be focused on one particular point.25. The host thus forming a single united body,
is it impossible either for the brave to advance alone, or for the cowardly to retreat alone. This is the art of handling large masses of men.26. In night-fighting, then, make much use of signal-fires
and drums, and in fighting by day, of flags and banners, as a means of influencing the ears and eyes of your army.27. A whole army may be robbed of its spirit;
a commander-in-chief may be robbed of his presence of mind.28. Now a soldier’s spirit is keenest in the morning;
by noonday it has begun to flag; and in the evening, his mind is bent only on returning to camp.29. A clever general, therefore, avoids an army when
its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods.30. Disciplined and calm, to await the appearance
of disorder and hubbub amongst the enemy:—this is the art of retaining self-possession.31. To be near the goal while the enemy is still
far from it, to wait at ease while the enemy is toiling and struggling, to be well-fed while the enemy is famished:—this is the art of husbanding one’s strength.32. To refrain from intercepting an enemy whose
banners are in perfect order, to refrain from attacking an army drawn up in calm and confident array:—this is the art of studying circumstances.33. It is a military axiom not to advance uphill
against the enemy, nor to oppose him when he comes downhill.34. Do not pursue an enemy who simulates flight;
do not attack soldiers whose temper is keen.35. Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy.
Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.36. When you surround an army, leave an outlet free.
Do not press a desperate foe too hard.37. Such is the art of warfare.
Top of Page
VIII. VARIATION IN TACTICS
10. Reduce the hostile chiefs by inflicting damage
on them; and make trouble for them, and keep them constantly engaged; hold out specious allurements, and make them rush to any given point.11. The art of war teaches us to rely not on the
likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.12. There are five dangerous faults which may affect
a general: (1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction; (2) cowardice, which leads to capture; (3) a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults; (4) a delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame; (5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.13. These are the five besetting sins of a general,
ruinous to the conduct of war.14. When an army is overthrown and its leader slain,
the cause will surely be found among these five dangerous faults. Let them be a subject of meditation.Top of Page
IX. THE ARMY ON THE MARCH
10. These are the four useful branches of military
knowledge which enabled the Yellow Emperor to vanquish four several sovereigns.11. All armies prefer high ground to low and sunny
places to dark.12. If you are careful of your men, and camp on hard
ground, the army will be free from disease of every kind, and this will spell victory.13. When you come to a hill or a bank, occupy the
sunny side, with the slope on your right rear. Thus you will at once act for the benefit of your soldiers and utilize the natural advantages of the ground.14. When, in consequence of heavy rains up-country,
a river which you wish to ford is swollen and flecked with foam, you must wait until it subsides.15. Country in which there are precipitous cliffs
with torrents running between, deep natural hollows, confined places, tangled thickets, quagmires and crevasses, should be left with all possible speed and not approached.16. While we keep away from such places, we should
get the enemy to approach them; while we face them, we should let the enemy have them on his rear.17. If in the neighborhood of your camp there should
be any hilly country, ponds surrounded by aquatic grass, hollow basins filled with reeds, or woods with thick undergrowth, they must be carefully routed out and searched; for these are places where men in ambush or insidious spies are likely to be lurking.18. When the enemy is close at hand and remains quiet,
he is relying on the natural strength of his position.19. When he keeps aloof and tries to provoke a battle,
he is anxious for the other side to advance.20. If his place of encampment is easy of access,
he is tendering a bait.21. Movement amongst the trees of a forest shows that the
enemy is advancing. The appearance of a number of screens in the midst of thick grass means that the enemy wants to make us suspicious.22. The rising of birds in their flight is the sign
of an ambuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming.23. When there is dust rising in a high column,
it is the sign of chariots advancing; when the dust is low, but spread over a wide area, it betokens the approach of infantry. When it branches out in different directions, it shows that parties have been sent to collect firewood. A few clouds of dust moving to and fro signify that the army is encamping.24. Humble words and increased preparations are signs
that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.25. When the light chariots come out first and take
up a position on the wings, it is a sign that the enemy is forming for battle.26. Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant
indicate a plot.27. When there is much running about and the soldiers
fall into rank, it means that the critical moment has come.28. When some are seen advancing and some retreating,
it is a lure.29. When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears,
they are faint from want of food.30. If those who are sent to draw water begin
by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.31. If the enemy sees an advantage to be gained and
makes no effort to secure it, the soldiers are exhausted.32. If birds gather on any spot, it is unoccupied.
Clamour by night betokens nervousness.33. If there is disturbance in the camp, the general’s
authority is weak. If the banners and flags are shifted about, sedition is afoot. If the officers are angry, it means that the men are weary.34. When an army feeds its horses with grain and kills
its cattle for food, and when the men do not hang their cooking-pots over the camp-fires, showing that they will not return to their tents, you may know that they are determined to fight to the death.35. The sight of men whispering together in small
knots or speaking in subdued tones points to disaffection amongst the rank and file.36. Too frequent rewards signify that the enemy is
at the end of his resources; too many punishments betray a condition of dire distress.37. To begin by bluster, but afterwards to take fright
at the enemy’s numbers, shows a supreme lack of intelligence.38. When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths,
it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.39. If the enemy’s troops march up angrily and remain
facing ours for a long time without either joining battle or taking themselves off again, the situation is one that demands great vigilance and circumspection.40. If our troops are no more in number than the enemy,
that is amply sufficient; it only means that no direct attack can be made. What we can do is simply to concentrate all our available strength, keep a close watch on the enemy, and obtain reinforcements.41. He who exercises no forethought but makes light
of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.42. If soldiers are punished before they have grown
attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless.43. Therefore soldiers must be treated in the first
instance with humanity, but kept under control by means of iron discipline. This is a certain road to victory.44. If in training soldiers commands are habitually
enforced, the army will be well-disciplined; if not, its discipline will be bad.45. If a general shows confidence in his men but always
insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.Top of Page
X. TERRAIN
10. With regard to precipitous heights, if you are
beforehand with your adversary, you should occupy the raised and sunny spots, and there wait for him to come up.11. If the enemy has occupied them before you,
do not follow him, but retreat and try to entice him away.12. If you are situated at a great distance from
the enemy, and the strength of the two armies is equal, it is not easy to provoke a battle, and fighting will be to your disadvantage.13. These six are the principles connected with Earth.
The general who has attained a responsible post must be careful to study them.14. Now an army is exposed to six several calamities,
not arising from natural causes, but from faults for which the general is responsible. These are: (1) Flight; (2) insubordination; (3) collapse; (4) ruin; (5) disorganization; (6) rout.15. Other conditions being equal, if one force is
hurled against another ten times its size, the result will be the flight of the former.16. When the common soldiers are too strong and
their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.17. When the higher officers are angry and insubordinate,
and on meeting the enemy give battle on their own account from a feeling of resentment, before the commander-in-chief can tell whether or no he is in a position to fight, the result is ruin.18. When the general is weak and without authority;
when his orders are not clear and distinct; when there are no fixes duties assigned to officers and men, and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner, the result is utter disorganization.19. When a general, unable to estimate the enemy’s
strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one, or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one, and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank, the result must be rout.20. These are six ways of courting defeat, which must
be carefully noted by the general who has attained a responsible post.21. The natural formation of the country is the soldier’s
best ally; but a power of estimating the adversary, of controlling the forces of victory, and of shrewdly calculating difficulties, dangers and distances, constitutes the test of a great general.22. He who knows these things, and in fighting puts
his knowledge into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor practices them, will surely be defeated.23. If fighting is sure to result in victory,
then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler’s bidding.24. 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.25. Regard your soldiers as your children, and they
will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.26. If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make
your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.27. If we know that our own men are in a condition
to attack, but are unaware that the enemy is not open to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory.28. If we know that the enemy is open to attack,
but are unaware that our own men are not in a condition to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory.29. If we know that the enemy is open to attack,
and also know that our men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the nature of the ground makes fighting impracticable, we have still gone only halfway towards victory.30. Hence the experienced soldier, once in motion,
is never bewildered; once he has broken camp, he is never at a loss.31. Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and
know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.Top of Page
XI. THE NINE SITUATIONS
10. Ground on which we can only be saved from
destruction by fighting without delay, is desperate ground.11. On dispersive ground, therefore, fight not.
On facile ground, halt not. On contentious ground, attack not.12. On open ground, do not try to block the enemy’s way.
On the ground of intersecting highways, join hands with your allies.13. On serious ground, gather in plunder.
In difficult ground, keep steadily on the march.14. On hemmed-in ground, resort to stratagem.
On desperate ground, fight.15. Those who were called skillful leaders of old knew
how to drive a wedge between the enemy’s front and rear; to prevent co-operation between his large and small divisions; to hinder the good troops from rescuing the bad, the officers from rallying their men.16. When the enemy’s men were united, they managed
to keep them in disorder.17. When it was to their advantage, they made
a forward move; when otherwise, they stopped still.18. If asked how to cope with a great host of the enemy
in orderly array and on the point of marching to the attack, I should say: “Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.”19. Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of
the enemy’s unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.20. The following are the principles to be observed
by an invading force: The further you penetrate into a country, the greater will be the solidarity of your troops, and thus the defenders will not prevail against you.21. Make forays in fertile country in order to supply
your army with food.22. Carefully study the well-being of your men,
and do not overtax them. Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength. Keep your army continually on the move, and devise unfathomable plans.23. Throw your soldiers into positions whence there
is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight. If they will face death, there is nothing they may not achieve. Officers and men alike will put forth their uttermost strength.24. Soldiers when in desperate straits lose
the sense of fear. If there is no place of refuge, they will stand firm. If they are in hostile country, they will show a stubborn front. If there is no help for it, they will fight hard.25. Thus, without waiting to be marshaled, the soldiers
will be constantly on the qui vive; without waiting to be asked, they will do your will; without restrictions, they will be faithful; without giving orders, they can be trusted.26. Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with
superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.27. If our soldiers are not overburdened with money,
it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.28. On the day they are ordered out to battle,
your soldiers may weep, those sitting up bedewing their garments, and those lying down letting the tears run down their cheeks. But let them once be brought to bay, and they will display the courage of a Chu or a Kuei.29. The skillful tactician may be likened to the
shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the ChUng mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by head and tail both.30. Asked if an army can be made to imitate the shuai-jan,
I should answer, Yes. For the men of Wu and the men of Yueh are enemies; yet if they are crossing a river in the same boat and are caught by a storm, they will come to each other’s assistance just as the left hand helps the right.31. Hence it is not enough to put one’s trust
in the tethering of horses, and the burying of chariot wheels in the ground32. The principle on which to manage an army is to set
up one standard of courage which all must reach.33. How to make the best of both strong and weak—that
is a question involving the proper use of ground.34. Thus the skillful general conducts his army just
as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.35. It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus
ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.36. He must be able to mystify his officers and men
by false reports and appearances, and thus keep them in total ignorance.37. By altering his arrangements and changing
his plans, he keeps the enemy without definite knowledge. By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose.38. At the critical moment, the leader of an army
acts like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him. He carries his men deep into hostile territory before he shows his hand.39. He burns his boats and breaks his cooking-pots;
like a shepherd driving a flock of sheep, he drives his men this way and that, and nothing knows whither he is going.40. To muster his host and bring it into danger:—this
may be termed the business of the general.41. The different measures suited to the nine
varieties of ground; the expediency of aggressive or defensive tactics; and the fundamental laws of human nature: these are things that must most certainly be studied.42. When invading hostile territory, the general
principle is, that penetrating deeply brings cohesion; penetrating but a short way means dispersion.43. When you leave your own country behind, and take
your army across neighborhood territory, you find yourself on critical ground. When there are means of communication on all four sides, the ground is one of intersecting highways.44. When you penetrate deeply into a country, it is
serious ground. When you penetrate but a little way, it is facile ground.45. When you have the enemy’s strongholds on your rear,
and narrow passes in front, it is hemmed-in ground. When there is no place of refuge at all, it is desperate ground.46. Therefore, on dispersive ground, I would inspire
my men with unity of purpose. On facile ground, I would see that there is close connection between all parts of my army.47. On contentious ground, I would hurry up my rear.
48. On open ground, I would keep a vigilant eye
on my defences. On ground of intersecting highways, I would consolidate my alliances.49. On serious ground, I would try to ensure
a continuous stream of supplies. On difficult ground, I would keep pushing on along the road.50. On hemmed-in ground, I would block any way
of retreat. On desperate ground, I would proclaim to my soldiers the hopelessness of saving their lives.51. For it is the soldier’s disposition to offer
an obstinate resistance when surrounded, to fight hard when he cannot help himself, and to obey promptly when he has fallen into danger.52. We cannot enter into alliance with neighboring
princes until we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country—its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.53. To be ignored of any one of the following four
or five principles does not befit a warlike prince.54. When a warlike prince attacks a powerful state,
his generalship shows itself in preventing the concentration of the enemy’s forces. He overawes his opponents, and their allies are prevented from joining against him.55. Hence he does not strive to ally himself with all
and sundry, nor does he foster the power of other states. He carries out his own secret designs, keeping his antagonists in awe. Thus he is able to capture their cities and overthrow their kingdoms.56. Bestow rewards without regard to rule,
issue orders without regard to previous arrangements; and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man.57. Confront your soldiers with the deed itself;
never let them know your design. When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.58. Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive;
plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.59. For it is precisely when a force has fallen into
harm’s way that is capable of striking a blow for victory.60. Success in warfare is gained by carefully
accommodating ourselves to the enemy’s purpose.61. By persistently hanging on the enemy’s flank, we shall
succeed in the long run in killing the commander-in-chief.62. This is called ability to accomplish a thing
by sheer cunning.63. On the day that you take up your command,
block the frontier passes, destroy the official tallies, and stop the passage of all emissaries.64. Be stern in the council-chamber, so that you
may control the situation.65. If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.
66. Forestall your opponent by seizing what he holds dear,
and subtly contrive to time his arrival on the ground.67. Walk in the path defined by rule, and accommodate
yourself to the enemy until you can fight a decisive battle.68. At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden,
until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.Top of Page
XII. THE ATTACK BY FIRE
10. (5) When you start a fire, be to windward of it.
Do not attack from the leeward.11. A wind that rises in the daytime lasts long,
but a night breeze soon falls.12. In every army, the five developments connected with
fire must be known, the movements of the stars calculated, and a watch kept for the proper days.13. Hence those who use fire as an aid to the attack show intelligence;
those who use water as an aid to the attack gain an accession of strength.14. By means of water, an enemy may be intercepted,
but not robbed of all his belongings.15. Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his
battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the spirit of enterprise; for the result is waste of time and general stagnation.16. Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his
plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.17. Move not unless you see an advantage; use not
your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.18. No ruler should put troops into the field merely
to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.19. If it is to your advantage, make a forward move;
if not, stay where you are.20. Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may
be succeeded by content.21. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can
never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.22. Hence the enlightened ruler is heedful,
and the good general full of caution. This is the way to keep a country at peace and an army intact.Top of Page
XIII. THE USE OF SPIES
10. Having inward spies, making use of officials
of the enemy.11. Having converted spies, getting hold of the enemy’s
spies and using them for our own purposes.12. Having doomed spies, doing certain things openly
for purposes of deception, and allowing our spies to know of them and report them to the enemy.13. Surviving spies, finally, are those who bring
back news from the enemy’s camp.14. Hence it is that which none in the whole army are
more intimate relations to be maintained than with spies. None should be more liberally rewarded. In no other business should greater secrecy be preserved.15. Spies cannot be usefully employed without a certain
intuitive sagacity.16. They cannot be properly managed without benevolence
and straightforwardness.17. Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one cannot make
certain of the truth of their reports.18. Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every
kind of business.19. If a secret piece of news is divulged by a spy
before the time is ripe, he must be put to death together with the man to whom the secret was told.20. Whether the object be to crush an army, to storm
a city, or to assassinate an individual, it is always necessary to begin by finding out the names of the attendants, the aides-de-camp, and door-keepers and sentries of the general in command. Our spies must be commissioned to ascertain these.21. The enemy’s spies who have come to spy on us
must be sought out, tempted with bribes, led away and comfortably housed. Thus they will become converted spies and available for our service.22. It is through the information brought by the
converted spy that we are able to acquire and employ local and inward spies.23. It is owing to his information, again, that we can
cause the doomed spy to carry false tidings to the enemy.24. Lastly, it is by his information that the surviving
spy can be used on appointed occasions.25. The end and aim of spying in all its five varieties
is knowledge of the enemy; and this knowledge can only be derived, in the first instance, from the converted spy. Hence it is essential that the converted spy be treated with the utmost liberality.26. Of old, the rise of the Yin dynasty was due to I
Chih who had served under the Hsia. Likewise, the rise of the Chou dynasty was due to Lu Ya who had served under the Yin.27. Hence it is only the enlightened ruler and the
wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for purposes of spying and thereby they achieve great results. Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army’s ability to move.Top of Page
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