The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals.
It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.
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.
Ground which can be abandoned but is hard to re-occupy is called entangling.
To lift an autumn hair is no sign of great strength;
Ground the possession of which imports great advantage to either side, is contentious ground.
Sun Tzŭ said: We may distinguish six kinds of terrain, to wit: Accessible ground;
Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance.
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 the heart of a hostile country, they will show a stubborn front. If there is no help for it, they will fight hard.
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.
Asked if an army can be made to imitate the shuai-jan,
Country in which there are precipitous cliffs with torrents running between, deep natural hollows,
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.
By altering his arrangements and changing his plans,
Ground on which each side has liberty of movement is open ground.
Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business.
When a chieftain is fighting in his own territory, it is dispersive ground.
Now a soldier’s spirit is keenest in the morning;
When their substance is drained away, the peasantry will be afflicted by heavy exactions.
Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral law
The general who does not understand these, may be well acquainted with the configuration of the country, yet he will not be able to turn his knowledge to practical account.
