Laying Plans 168
Sun Tzǔ said: The art of war is of vital importance to the State.
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.
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. 169
These are: (1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline. 170
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. 171
Heaven signifies night and day, cold and heat, times and seasons. 172
Earth comprises distances, great and small; danger and security; open ground and narrow passes; the chances of life and death. 173
The Commander stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage and strictness. 174
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. 175
These five heads should be familiar to every general: he who knows them will be victorious; he who knows them not will fail.
Therefore, in your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise:— 176
Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral law? 177
Which of the two generals has most ability?
With whom lie the advantages derived from Heaven and Earth? 178
On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced? 179
Which army is stronger? 180
On which side are officers and men more highly trained? 181
In which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment? 182
By means of these seven considerations I can forecast victory or defeat.
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! 183
While heeding the profit of my counsel, avail yourself also of any helpful circumstances over and beyond the ordinary rules. 184
According as circumstances are favourable, one should modify one’s plans. 185
All warfare is based on deception. 186
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.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him. 187
If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. 188
If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. 189
If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. 190 If his forces are united, separate them. 191
Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand. 192
Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. 193 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.