_  "The Art of War"
by Sun Tzu
translation by James Clum


Chapter 1:  Planning

The military is of great consequence to a nation
It is the foundation of death and life
It is a way to examine existence and mortality
Therefore, it is important to go over five determining factors and  consider the outcome of one's plans
First is the Way
Second is Heaven
Third is Earth
Fourth is the Commander
Fifth is the Natural Laws

The Way enables the people to think like their superiors
They may be offered life or death but they are without fear of danger or treachery
Heaven is darkness and light,  cold and heat, and making use of the seasons
Earth is high and low, far and near, perilous and easy, broad and narrow, as well as life and death
A commander is wisdom, trust, benevolence, courage, and discipline.
The principle is organization, hierarchy and management
This is nothing that commanders have not already heard
The one who knows them wins and the one who does not loses
Therefore, it is important to make plans that result in the right outcome.

Which commander then has the Way?
Which commander then has the ability?
Which  commander then has employed Heaven and Earth?
Which commander has followed the natural laws?
Which army is stronger?
Which officers and soldiers are better trained?
In which are the rewards and punishments clearest?

Victory and defeat can be predicted by these seven considerations.
By accepting the responsibility of this knowledge a commander who listens will be victorious.
By ignoring this knowledge and not listening, a commander will suffer defeat and be dismissed.
By heeding the advice to plan ahead even beyond the normal circumstances, one can become a person of influence who perceives what is profitable according to the situation

The Way of war is based on deception
Ability must be perceived as incompetence
That which is useful must be perceived as useless
That which is near must be perceived as far
Lure the enemy in with an enticement and then capture him in the ensuing confusion
Prepare when the enemy is formidable and evade when the enemy is strong
Irritate an agitated enemy and appear weak so that he may grow more arrogant
Attack where the enemy is not prepared and appear where you are not expected
If the enemy rests, pursue him
If his forces join, divide them
Resources must remain hidden and one's intentions never revealed
The commander who makes more preparations beforehand will be victorious and the one who does not will suffer defeat
It is by careful planning that the victorious and defeated are determined
By these means I can predict a winner and  loser


Chapter 2:   Doing Battle

According to Sun Tzu, what is necessary for war must follow this course; a thousand fast chariots, a thousand leather passenger chariots, one hundred thousand units of strap on armor, grain provisions equaling one thousand square kilometers, internal and external expenditures, utilizations of civilian guests, glue, lacquer and timber, donations of chariots and armor, totaling a thousand pieces of gold per day.

From this one hundred thousand troops can be raised.

In battle go for a swift victory or weapons will become dull and the troops will lose morale

By attacking a walled city, strength will diminish over time.

If a campaign is protracted, the national resources will become insufficient.

When weapons become dull and troops lose their morale, power is lost and resources are wasted, and other representatives will rise up to take advantage of the situation. 

Then, no one regardless of their wisdom will be able to stop what will ensue afterwards.

So, even if we hear an army is brash, I’ve never seen one bide its time.

I have never heard of any nation that has ever benefited from a military that protracts its engagements.

Only someone who knows the evils of war, can understand the advantages of it.

A good soldier should not need to re-enlist and his provisions need not  be loaded for the third time.

Take necessities from home but forage off of the enemy.

In this way the army will have what it needs.

A nation will grow poor supplying provisions at a distance and so will the common people.

When divisions are near, expect inflation and the draining of the common people.

Though drained, the people will then be taxed.

With strength lost and earnings taxed, homes in the heartland will be vacant as three tenths of a family’s income is lost.

A family’s expenses will go towards broken chariots, retired horses, armor, helmets, arrows, crossbows, lances, shields, coverings, oars, oxen, and heavy wagons which will consume four tenths of their income.

Therefore, a wise commander feeds off of the enemy.

Feeding off of the enemy’s provisions is equivalent to twenty of your own.

One measure of his feed is worth twenty of your own.

If you want to kill the enemy, there must be anger.

There must be some benefit and reward.

Therefore, in battle when several chariots and flags are seized, reward the ones who took them first.

Combine the horses and chariots of the enemy with your own and be kind to the prisoners you keep.

Victory is sweet when it is swift-delay is of no value.

So, know that the fate of the people is in the hands of one’s commander and that he’s the master of the nation’s security.




Chapter 3:  Stratagems

According to Sun Tzu it is better to leave a country in tact than to destroy it.

The same is true for an army, a regiment, a detachment or a company.

The highest level of excellence is not in winning many battles but rather victory over an army without fighting.

The most superior form of attack is strategy.

Next is preventing the enemy from joining forces.

This is followed by attacking the army directly.

Lastly, is besieging the enemy in walled cities.

This method should be avoided unless there is no alternative.

The necessary equipment could take up to three months to prepare and then at least three months to implement.

Meanwhile, commanders become impatient and send their legions out like a swarm of ants where a third of them get butchered. 

Yet the city is still not seized.

This is the calamity of the siege.

Thus, the superior tactician defeats his enemy without a fight.

He uproots the cities without laying siege to them and crushes the nation in a brief amount of time.

He leaves his entire army intact and without hesitation the benefit is fully realized.

This is the method of strategy.

Therefore, the strategy is to surround the enemy when outnumbered ten to one, attack when outnumbering the enemy five to one and dividing his forces when doubling your own.

Fight when your forces are equal to the enemy, but if they are smaller it is best to flee and avoid battle.

Though a small force can put up strong resistance, it will eventually be captured by a larger force.

The commander is an extension of the nation. 

If the commander is attentive, the nation will be strengthened.

If the commander is distained, the nation will be weakened.

There are three ways that a leader can bring misfortune to his military.

First, not knowing that his forces are not able to advance but saying they can and saying that the forces can retreat when they cannot.

This just ties up military.

Second, not knowing how to run the military and governing it like you would civilians.

This creates confusion and doubt.

Third, not knowing the power structure of the military and making unreasonable promotions.

This creates doubt in the ranks.

As other leaders start creating difficulties, victory is drawn away.

Know the five essentials for victory:

First, know when to fight and when not to fight.

Second, know how to manage forces both  large and small.

Third, know that upper and lower ranks both desire victory.

Fourth, learn patience and attack when it is not expected.

Fifth, victory will come to the commander who is not meddled with by his leaders.

Knowing these five, one knows victory.

Therefore it has been said, know your enemy as you know yourself and you will not fear any battle.

If you do not know your enemy, you will lose as many battles as you win.

If you do not know your enemy or yourself, you will lose every battle.




Chapter 4:  Military Structure

According to Sun Tzu, in the past superior fighters would not act first but rather find the right time by observing their enemies.

Invincibility is within oneself and victory is found within the enemy.

Therefore, the superior fighter may not be able to be beaten, but may not be victorious over an enemy.

So it has been said that one can know how to win but be unable to accomplish victory.

Invincibility implies defense whereas victory implies offense.

Defense implies insufficiency whereas offense implies surplus.

The best defender hides anywhere within the earth below.

The best attacker moves anywhere within the heavens above.

Hence, one can protect oneself and victory can be complete.

When a common person can foresee a victory, it is not the highest level of excellence.

When everyone says that a fight has been won, it is not the highest level of excellence.

Showing first hairs is not a sign of strength, seeing the sun and moon is not sharp vision, and hearing the clap of thunder is not acute hearing.

The ancients said that a superior fighter was one that not only won, but won with ease.

Therefore great victories in battle neither bring fame for one’s wisdom nor merit for one’s courage.

He fights his battles and wins without mistakes.

He is without error and his course of action is certain victory because the enemy is already defeated.

Hence, the best fighter positions himself to be invincible and without fail the enemy is defeated.

This is why victorious armies win first and fight afterwards and why losing armies fight first and look for victories later.

That is why the best military leaders cultivate nature’s course and follow natural laws to win victories and defeat governments.

The Laws of War:  First-measurements, Second-estimations, Third-calculations, Fourth-considerations, Fifth-victory

Measurements arise from the Earth.

Estimations arise from measurements.

Calculations arise from estimations.

Considerations arise from calculations.

Victory arises from considerations.

Comparing a victorious army to another is like comparing a pound of gold to an ounce.

The fighting force of a victorious army is like pent up water bursting from a dyke and running into small creeks a thousand fathoms deep.

 

Chapter 5:  Military Concerns

According to Sun Tzu, by allocation one can manage an ordinary crowd the same way as a few individuals.

Fighting a large group or fighting only a few is similar though the manner and way it is described may be different.

For an army to endure full force attacks and not be defeated, both standard and unorthodox measures are necessary so that an army be like a grindstone against an egg and find those parts which are truly substantial and those that are insubstantial.

In common warfare, one may use direct methods for getting involved in a campaign but unorthodox methods are necessary to win.

Hence, success arises from one’s use of unorthodox means which are as infinite as Heaven and Earth and as inexhaustible as a great river.

Upon completion they are renewable and begin again like the sun and the moon.

They are repeated like life and death and the cycle of the four seasons.

Sound consists of only five tones and yet through variations countless sounds can be heard.

There are only five basic colors but through variations countless hues can be seen.

There are only five basic tastes but through variations countless flavors can be tasted.

Warfare is not limited to only direct and unorthodox methodologies because by unlimited adaptations; these methods can be applied.

Direct and unorthodox mutually arise like a ring with no beginning or end, and so how can they ever be exhausted?

A cascade sets stones adrift and birds of prey swoop in for a decisive strike.

And so it is with an exceptional warrior whose manner is dangerous and who actions are decisive.

Power is like a crossbow and decisive action is like the release of a trigger.

There could be endless disorder on the battlefield without melee.

Muddled and yet without defeat.

Control arises from chaos, bravery from fear, and strength from the appearance of weakness.

Hence a great fighter keeps the enemy on the move and presents an appearance so that enemy responds to the offering that he is enticed to take.

An accomplished warrior is able to recognize superior conditions and the limits of his men so that each can be assigned according to their abilities.

When warriors are appointed to each one’s own abilities it is like moving a large tree or stone.

The nature of a tree or stone is to be safe when inert but dangerous when set into motion.

Having sides causes stones and trees to come to a stop, but if they are round they roll.

Therefore, the momentum of a superior fighting force is like boulders being rolled down a mountain from eight thousand feet.

 

Chapter 6:  Weak Points and Strong Points

According to Sun Tzu, whoever arrives first to the battlefield will have time to rest and he who hurries to the battlefield afterwards will be exhausted.

A superior warrior entices others but is not enticed.

He engages the enemy who seeks some advantage or keeps him held back by difficulties.

Hence the enemy that rests can be worn out, the enemy is who is full can be made hungry, and the enemy that is still can be moved.

Retreat to places that make the enemy scurry, and attack where it is unexpected.

A thousand miles can be marched without exhaustion even if the land is uninhabitable.

While attacking the enemy, one must find the spots that are unprotected.

While guarding a strong position, guard in such a way that you cannot be attacked.

Hence, the best attacker goes after the places that the enemy does not know to guard.

The best defender guards the places that the enemy does not know to attack.

Through the inconsequential we become invisible; 

Through the mysterious we become soundless and seal the enemy’s fate.

You may advance without defeat by attacking the enemy’s weak points; likewise you may retreat and not be pursued if you move quickly beyond the enemy’s reach.

Therefore, if we wish to fight, the enemy will have no other choice whether he has the highest rampart or the deepest trench than to defend what he must try to save.

If we don’t wish to fight, the enemy can be prevented from attacking even though we defend what is drawn on the ground by giving him something clever.

When one’s appearance is imperceptible, one can maintain focus and divide the enemy.

With singularity of purpose one fractures the enemy so that the splintered groups of a few are no match for the unity of a large mass.

If we can attack small groups en masse the enemy will be in dire straits.

Where one intends to attack must but be unknown or the enemy will significantly reinforce those places; instead the enemy must have his forces in many places so that only a few are engaged.

Hence if the enemy reinforces his front he diminishes the rear, if he reinforces the rear he diminishes the front, if he reinforces the right he diminishes the left, if he reinforces the left he diminishes the right and if he reinforces all over he will be diminished everywhere.

One’s numbers are diminished by preparing for many people; one maintains strength in numbers by causing the enemy to make reinforcements.

If the place and time are known, one can consolidate in battle at a distance of a thousand miles.

If the place and time are unknown, the left cannot rescue the right, the right cannot rescue the left, the front cannot rescue the rear, the rear cannot rescue the front; and how can this not be the case whether the numbers are ten miles away or one mile away?

Though in my own estimation we were outnumbered by the Yueh, why didn’t their advantage lead to victory rather than defeat?

I say then that this is how victory can be achieved.

Even though outnumbered by the enemy, he can still be unable fight.

Scheme until you know the enemy’s plans.

Make him react and find the reason for his movement or stillness.

Know from his disposition where the ground of life and death is.

Know from his flanks where there are positions of excess and deficiency.

An army’s disposition is if of the highest importance, so it must be concealed from those who would pry and scheme.

Because the enemy makes tactical mistakes, victory is attained and this is precisely what most people cannot comprehend.

Everyone knows my tactics for victory however no one knows the system that I use to employ these tactics.

Hence, victories in battle need not be repeatable because there are endless variations.

Man’s military disposition is like water; water escapes from high places and rushes to the low areas.

So it is with the nature of warfare; stay clear of his force and strike into his weak areas.

The ground regulates the flow of water and so should an army control the enemy until victory is attained.

Warfare has no constant conditions as water has no constant shape.

Therefore, the one who can adapt to an enemy’s changes and win is said to be mysterious.

The five elements are not constant, the four seasons change, days and night can be longer or shorter and even the phases of the moon wax and wane.

 



Chapter 7:  Maneuvering

According to Sun Tzu, it is military protocol for a general to receive his orders from the monarchy.

Having gathered a multitude of men and put together an encampment,
he must face the difficult challenge of maneuvers.

The difficulty lies in transforming something meandering into something straight and something potentially dangerous into something beneficial.

A meandering route is enticing because of benefits, but one may depart late and still arrive early if one understands what is awry and what is direct in one’s plans.

For this reason, maneuvering can either be advantageous or disastrous.

Raising an army for profitability in an inferior prospect because assigning a detachment to pursue an important objective requires that supplies and heavy equipment be left behind.

If armor is hastily packed and day and night is spend marching a hundred miles to cover twice as much distance for a mission to succeed,
then the enemy may capture your three commanders.

Zealous soldiers take the lead in pursuits followed by the timid which results in only one tenth of the force arriving on time.

If the desired victory is fifty miles, the commander is likely to botch the operation and only half arrive.

If it is thirty miles, expect only two thirds to arrive on time.

An army without its supplies, rations and provisions perishes.

We cannot understand all of the schemes of the various leaders without getting to know them ahead of time.

An army should not march unless it knows the terrain, dangers and obstructions that characterize the geography.

One who does not take council from local villages cannot take advantage of the land.

Position yourself deceptively and you be on the right course to victory, and whether or not to gather forces will depend upon how things play out.

Be sudden like a wind and calm as a forest.

Plunder like a fire while invading and be still like a mountain.

Be as unknown as the darkness of night and move with the shock of thunder.

Pilfer from villages, sort out the populations and parcel out the land to your men.

Ponder this responsibility before taking action.

The one who understands the difference between what is circuitous and what is direct will be first to victory as this is a fundamental principle of military maneuvering.

In the manual of Military Management it says, “Use gongs and drums because words cannot be heard. 
Use flags and banners because what is visible may not be seen.”

By using gongs and flags, all eyes and ears become one.

A group is managed effectively as a single unit so that a brave man does not advance independently nor does a coward retreat alone.

At night use gongs and drums and in the day use many flags and banners so that these may serve as eyes and ears.

Hence, the three armies may be robbed of their vitality and the commander will be robbed of his resolve.

The energy of the soldiers is sharpest in the morning, the mood is sluggish by afternoon and by evening everyone wants to return to camp.

Therefore, the best commanders avoid the enemy when he is fresh and strike when he is tired and retreating.

Use leadership to deal with confusion, and stillness to deal with noise.

This is the way to manage psychology.

Use proximity to deal with distance, and use idleness to deal with toil.

This is the way to manage effort.

Do not lure an army whose flags and banners are in tight rank and file or strike an army that is confident.

This is the way to manage unknown variables.

According to military axioms one should not face an enemy on a high mountain or have ones back to a hill.

Do not pursue an enemy who feigns defeat and do not strike at the most elite soldiers.

Do not swallow the enemy’s bait and do not interfere with an army returning home.

When surrounded an army is left an outlet and do not press a renegade band.

Such are the principles of martial science.

 



Chapter 8:  Nine Variations

According to Sun Tzu, ordinarily a commander gets his orders from his sovereign and then gathers an army from the population.

Destroyed lands should not be inhabited, where there are major thoroughfares join forces, do not hold up in isolated locations, follow tactics when surrounded, and fight when the place becomes desperate.

There are roads and places that must not be followed, an army has places that must not be struck, towns have places that must not be attacked, the land has places where one must not battle, and even a sovereign’s orders has places where one must not obey.

Hence, commanders must be well versed in the advantages of all variations and know their practical applications.

A commander not versed in the advantages of these variations may in spite of knowing the terrain be unable to take advantage of it.

One who deploys troops and is unfamiliar with the art of using variations will know the benefits of a piece of ground but be unable to make use of it.

As a result, the wise consider the advantageous and the detrimental as inseparable.

With regards to what is advantageous, we gain certainty in our affairs.

With regards to what is detrimental, we free ourselves from misfortune.

Cause trouble for hostile leaders, keep them busy in their service, and rush them towards something they think is advantageous.

Using military principles, one does not rely upon the enemy not coming but rather one relies on preparing for the enemy’s possible attack so that there is nowhere to strike.

There are five perils for commanders;  if one must kill but one clings to life death will certainly follow, if one is quick to anger capture will certainly follow, if one is faultless insults will certainly follow, and if one is too kind to others or meticulous disgrace will follow.

Any of these five can happen to a commander and be disastrous in war.

When an army is overthrown and the commander is taken out, meditate upon these five perils.

 



Chapter 9:  Marching

According to Sun Tzu, herein is the stationing of the army, the appearance of the enemy, and taking shortcuts over the mountains and through valleys.

Settle in vantage points and do not ascend to go into battle; such is warfare in the mountains.

After taking a shortcut through the water you must make distance.

If the enemy advances through water, do not meet him within, instead wait until half of his force has been ferried and then strike for the best effect.

If you are anxious to fight, do not receive the enemy near rivers.

From a vantage point, do not engage the enemy where water stirs; such is staying above water in warfare.

Move quickly when crossing salt marshes and do not delay.

If you encounter the enemy in the middle of salt marshes, be near grass with trees to your back; such is warfare in salt marshes.

Flatlands are easier if you take up positions where there is high ground at your back and to the right so that if confronted with death, life awaits behind you; such is warfare on flatlands.

There were four military advantages that allowed the Yellow Emperor to defeat four other emperors.

All armies prefer highlands to lowlands, and elevated sunny places to lowly dark ones; so providing the army with substantial ground that is free of various diseases spells victory.

At hills and banks, keep on the sunny side so that they are to your rear and to the right; such is warfare using the advantages of the terrain.

Rains may cause rivers to foam upstream when it is desirable to wade across; in such cases, one makes the decision to wait.

Ordinarily the land has adjoining mountain streams, wells, caves, thickets, quagmires and crevasses which should be trespassed with urgency and be avoided if possible.

Keep your distance but let the enemy get close with his back to such places.

If flanked with obstructions such as lakes, reeds, forests or undergrowth, one must search them cautiously as these are places that traitors may stay to conceal themselves.

The enemy who is near, but remains still is in danger, the enemy who provokes as he tries to keep away is inviting an engagement, and the enemy who easily avails himself is baiting you.

Rustling in the trees may signal the enemy’s approach or tall grass may indicate something is being concealed so be careful.

Birds flying away or startled beasts may indicate someone laying in wait so be on guard.

Be aware of dust rising high as this indicates the approach of chariots; dust low and wide may indicate infantry marching in formation, when dust is in a few places it may indicate men gathering firewood for a nearby encampment.

When men humbly prepare for retreat expect an advance, if they speak brashly expect the advance so come sooner.

When light chariots move to the sides of the army, they are about to assume formation for battle.

When a treaty does not call for peace, it is most likely a scheme.

When soldiers rush to get into formation, the hour has come.

When half the enemy is advancing and the other half is retreating, it is probably a lure.

When soldiers lean on their spears, they are underfed.

When those sent for water drink first, the army thirsts.

When an advantage is seen but not taken, the army is fatigued.

Birds gather where it is unoccupied and where there are cries at night there is fear.

If there are outbursts in the ranks, the commander is not strong.

If the banners and flags waver, there is disorder in the ranks.

If lieutenants become furious, the men are worn out.

If cereals and horse meat have been eaten up, the cooking pots will not be hung up, and the men will soon abandon their dwellings and begin foraging.

Frequent gossip done quietly in small groups indicates comradery is failing.

Frequent rewards indicate resources will be depleted, and frequent punishments indicate distress.

Individuals who initially seem cruel but later reveal themselves as timid lack essential qualities.

When someone comes entrusted to bring words of gratitude, reconciliation is desired.

If angered troops face their enemies and do not engage them nor leave after a while, it indicates that this situation deserves serious consideration.

If one’s forces are not more numerous than the enemy, one does not advance but rather develops ample strength, anticipates the enemy, and gathers reinforcements.

The gentleman who does not worry thinking that the enemy is easy will certainly be captured.

If soldiers have become close to you they will not be subordinate if punished; if not subordinate, they will be difficult to use.

If soldiers quickly become attached to you, punishments will be ineffective and be of no use.

Hence, orders are given with a formality that is fair in the military and it is known for its success.

Orders are plainly followed and taught to people so that they will be obeyed; orders not plainly followed or taught will likewise be disobeyed.

Everyone mutually benefits when orders are followed plainly.

 



Chapter 10: Terrain

According to Sun Tzu, there are the following types of land: accessible, branching, narrow, dangerous and distant.

Where I can pass and so can the enemy is called accessible terrain.

With regard to accessible terrain, the one who can get to the high and sunny ground first will have roads for their provisions which is a significant advantage in warfare.

Where I can pass but will have difficulty returning is called suspended terrain.

With regard to suspended terrain, one may set forth to victory seeing that the enemy is unprepared, but if the enemy is prepared and one cannot return the result will be unfortunate.

Where I may pass and the enemy may come is called branching terrain.

With regards to branching terrain, even though the enemy presents an advantage to me, I do not attack, but rather pull back and wait until the enemy orders half of his troops to advance and then I strike with more advantage.

With regards to narrow terrain, I take up positions first so I will have extra time to wait for the enemy.

If the enemy takes up positions first do not follow him and if he is not in position you may go after him.

With regards to dangerous terrain, with all things being equal, it is difficult to pick your battles and find when it is advantageous to fight.

Of these six terrains that are determined by the type of ground, the appointed general should be able to make the right determinations.

Misfortunes include being run off, being trapped, being ruined, being befuddled, and being defeated.

These are frequent calamities that befall commanders.

With all else being equal, misfortune here refers to one having to strike at ten.

By showing favor one cannot facilitate others, by being overly affectionate one cannot maintain authority, and by being confusing one cannot manage others.

These examples are like spoiled children, they are also not useful.

Knowing our men are able to attack, but not knowing when the enemy’s men are able to attack is only halfway to victory.

Knowing when the enemy is able to strike, but not knowing when our men are able to strike is still only halfway to victory.

Knowing when the enemy is able to strike; knowing when your men are able to strike, but not knowing the terrain for battle is also only halfway to victory.

Hence, an experienced army moves but is not bewildered, and is supported but not exhausted.

It has been said that by knowing oneself and knowing others, victory is without peril and by knowing heaven and earth victory is complete.

 



Chapter 11:  The Nine Lands

According to Sun Tzu, military principles utilize the following lands:  scattered lands, accessible lands, fighting lands, intersecting lands, serious lands, desolated lands, enclosed lands and desperate lands.

Where various warlords are fighting each other is called “scattered lands.”

Where the enemy I and can come and go is called “accessible lands.”

Where men can enter but not significantly is called “fighting lands.”

Where there are various overloads of three neighboring states through which the whole empire becomes attainable if taken first is called “intersecting lands.”

Where men can enter deeply with many cities to their backs is called “serious lands.”

Wilderness, rugged obstructions, desolate marshes and ordinary roads that are difficult to pass are called “desolated lands.”

Places where pursuits take a narrow path and return by a circuitous route such that a small force must strike at a large one are called “enclosed lands.”

Places where the alternative to death is battle are called “desperate lands.”

Therefore do not skirmish is scattered lands, do not halt in accessible lands, do not attack fighting lands, in open lands do not make alliances, in serious lands to not plunder, in desolated lands do not pass through, in enclosed lands do not scheme, and in desperate lands do not do battle.

The ancients who were adept at military strategy said that one must be able to divide the enemy from front to back, prevent cooperation between large masses and small groups, keep what is precious and not valuable from rescuing each other, and to keep those at top and those at the bottom from being able to cooperate with one another.

One can exploit inequalities within a united army without dividing the soldiers.

When the army is united one can move forward, but without unity one must stop.

If asked how a commander should deal with a formidable enemy, one should reply, “First, take something that is dear to get his attention.”

In war, swiftness is of the essence; therefore, exploit the enemy’s tardiness and attack places that cannot be guarded.

Regarding the course of invasion; one’s troops are more resolved as one penetrates deeper into the land to the point that the host is unable to resist.

Plunder fields to supply a surplus of provisions for the three armies.

Be cautious to care for those who toil to preserve their energy and strength and keep on the move with unfaltering plans.

Throw your force into places where when faced with death or retreat, officers and others will show absolute fortitude.

When soldiers are trapped they become fearless, where there is no exit they become resolute, positioned deeply they will show restraint, and when there is no alternative they will fight.

Therefore, soldiers who are inexperienced can be self-disciplined, those that are not probing can make gains, those that are not in agreement can be cordial and those that are given orders can be trusted.

Prohibit superstitions and do away with doubts and there will be no place for death to appear.

If my officers do not have more money than they need it is not because they detest wealth; and if my officers do not have a long life, it is not because the detest old age.

On the day their orders are given, officers and soldiers alike may sit wetting their clothes from their own sniffles, and lay on the ground with tears running down their cheeks.

Once thrown into battle however, all will show the bravery of past heroes.

The superior military tactician is like a snake that lives in the Chang mountains.

If you strike at its head its tail will attack, if you strike at its tail the head attacks, and if you strike at the center both the head and tail attack.

If asked, “Could an army be like this snake?”

The answer is “Yes.”

The men of Wu and Yueh who hated each other once crossed the water in boats and were caught by the wind, but came to each others rescue like left and right hands.

Therefore, one cannot rely upon the tethering of horses or the burying of wheels.

Govern others in such a way that all attain the courage of one.

The principles of hard and soft can be drawn from the land.

Thus, the superior tactician guides people as if taking a person by the hand without their consent.

Therefore, a commander is still for the sake of secrecy and just for the sake of control.

He is then able to stupefy his officers and men by what they see and hear but keep them unaware.

By altering one’s affairs and adjusting certain tactics, others become oblivious.

By changing locations and taking roundabout routes others will not be alarmed.

He burns his boats and breaks his cooking pots, and like a shepherd that drives out his flock; coming and going, no one knows where he can be found.

Gathering three armies and hurling them into harm’s way is known to be the business of a commander.

The nine terrains, defensive and offensive power, and human nature and reason are things that deserve one’s careful consideration.

In general, a deep course of invasion brings cohesion whereas shallow penetration brings dispersion.

Keep one’s affairs short when extending beyond one’s borders where all four sides can be reached as this is intersecting land.

Entering deeply is serious ground; entering superficially is accessible ground.

With strongholds to your back and narrow passes to the front is enclosed land; and where there is no place to go is desperate land.

I would be single-minded in focus for scattered lands and promote a sense of closeness for accessible lands.

For fighting lands, I would reinforce the rear.

For friendly lands, I would be cautious and stay on guard; and for intersecting lands I would form solid alliances.

For serious lands, I would develop a continuous food supply; and for desolated lands I would proceed on main routes.

For enclosed lands squeeze the capitol; and for desperate lands I would proclaim the uselessness of trying to save one’s life.

A soldier’s nature is to dig in when surrounded, fight when there is no alternative and follow along as he goes.

Therefore, one cannot enter into alliances with neighboring overloads without knowing their motives.

Without knowing the mountain forests, dangerous pitfalls, and desolate marshes, one cannot march an army.

Without the utilizing scouts from local villages, one cannot take full advantage of the terrain.

Being unaware of even one of these four or five things, one cannot be a feudal lord or commander in chief.

When a feudal lord or commander in chief is pitted against a large nation and prevents its force from becoming concentrated, his influence grows as he prevents his enemy from forming alliances.

Therefore, he does not struggle against an array of alliances or powers, but instead trusts himself and impresses the enemies by sacking cities until the nation is overthrown.

Bestow rewards without regard to formality, and suspend orders without regard to administration, make these transgressions with regards to the entirety of the army as though you would with a single man.

Execute the matter at hand and do not trust this to others.

Confront others with what is optimistic and do not speak of calamity.

If your forces are hurled into deadly terrain they will survive; if they get stuck in desperate terrain they will live.

It is when one gets stuck in a perilous situation that afterwards one may go on to victory.

In military affairs, one pretends to follow the enemy’s intentions.

We accompany our enemy ten thousand miles for the commander’s demise.

This is known as the ability to accomplish affairs with skill.

On the day that you assume command, close the frontier borders, destroy the diplomatic permits, and end your ties with envoys.

Gather your staff to your chambers and take control of the situation.

If the enemy leaves the door open, rush in.

First take what he holds dear and determine his arrival.

Abide by what is printed in ink until one can win a battle decisively.

Therefore, start with the coyness of a virgin; allow the enemy to open the door and then run like a hare so the enemy will be incapable of a timely response.

 

Chapter 12: Attacking with Fire

According to Sun Tzu, there are five ways to attack with fire:  first is men, second is storage, third is supplies, fourth is armories, and fifth is army units.

To use fire on the move one must make certain preparations, and to make explosives one must have the right materials.

There are seasons to start fires and days for raising them up.

When the moon is in Sagittarius, Andromeda, Crator or Corvus; these are the days to raise fires.

When attacking with fire one must prepare for the following five developments:

If a fire breaks out inside the encampment, quickly respond to what is happening outside the camp.

If a fire starts and the enemy is still, wait and do not attack.

If flames reach maximum strength, you may follow with an attack and if you cannot follow then stop.

If a fire can be started outside, then do not wait to start one inside, just wait for the right time.

If a fire starts upwind, do not attack downwind; winds that pick up during the day last a while but die down by night.

Every army should be familiar with these five  developments and observe them in one’s plans.

Therefore, those who are assisted by fire in their attack show intelligence and those that are assisted by water show power.

With water the enemy may be cut in two but he may not necessarily be captured.

It is inauspicious for someone to prevail in battle and yet not cultivate merit; to not do so in life could be construed as “perpetuating waste.”

And so it has been said, “an enlightened master is pensive whereas an outstanding commander is decorated.”

Do not move unless there is an advantage, do not utilize something unless there is a purpose, and do not do battle unless there is clear danger.

A master is not angered by his troops and a commander does not go to battle because of his own indignation.

Move to engage the enemy if there is an advantage, and if there is not then stop.

Anger eventually turns to happiness and indignation to pleasure.

A devastated nation does not recover, and a dead soldier cannot not be resuscitated.

Therefore, an enlightened ruler is cautious, and an outstanding commander is alert.

This is the way to keep an nation at peace and an army whole.

 

Chapter 13: Utilizing Spies

According to Sun Tzu, when one raises an army of ten thousand for a thousand mile invasion, it is a burden to the people, and a public commitment with expenditures exceeding a thousand pieces of silver daily.

There will be upheaval both foreign and domestically; infrastructure will become neglected as seven hundred thousand families will be unable to go about their normal affairs.

Everyone may be put on alert for a number of years for a war that may be decided in a single day; meanwhile those who are fond of wealth and prestige take in a hundred pieces of silver daily and grow ignorant of the enemy’s passion and their own heartlessness.

Not a commander of men, not a lord of philanthropy, not a master of victory.

Therefore, what enables an enlightened ruler and worthy general to achieve victory beyond public expectations is “foreknowledge.”

With regard to foreknowledge, one cannot obtain it from spiritualism, mimicry or even calculations.

It must be obtained by those who understand the enemy’s motivations.

Thus, there are five ways to utilize of spies:  embedded spies, domestic spies, converted spies, doomed spies and living spies.

Once the five spies are put into action, there is no one aware of their course; this is known as the “mysterious threads” and is a treasure to every sovereign.

With embedded spies local villagers are utilized.

With domestic spies local bureaucrats are utilized.

With converted spies local enemy spies are utilized.

With doomed spies lies are spread abroad through orders that are heard by agents that in turn pass them on to the enemy.

Living spies are flipped informants.

Hence, among the whole army there are none that are kept closer, none that should be rewarded more lavishly and none than should be kept more secretly.

Without the wisdom of a sage one cannot utilize spies.

Without benevolence and righteousness one cannot employ them.

Without subtlety one cannot extract the truth from them.

Details! Details! The sublimity of spies!

If a spy has heard information before the event has occurred, he and person whom he has told must be put to death.

When an army wishes to strike, attack an army or take out an individual, the commander must be vigilant in finding out ahead of time the names of attendants, visitors, and sentries by having spies ascertain these things.

Our agents must intercept enemy spies that have been sent to us and convert them by providing some incentive so that they can be guided to our side’s use.

Cognizance of homeland informants enables one to acquire and use domestic spies.

Cognizance of doomed spies enables one to misinform the enemy.

Cognizance of living spies enables one to be prepared at the right time.

The issue of the “five spies” is something every ruler must understand, and since this information’s source is the converted spy, they must be treated most generously.

The Yin Dynasty flourished due in part to YiZhi of Xia as did the Chou Dynasty because of LuYa.

Hence, it is only the wise ruler and worthy commander that will apply the superior wisdom of spying and obtain great success that the entire army depends on in order to move.

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    Author

    Shidoshi James Clum is a teacher, writer and martial artist living in Southern California.   He invites you to comment and share your insights on how the Sun Tzu's principles can be demonstrated in every day life.