| Sun-Tzu :: The Principles of Warfare "The Art of War" | ||||||||||||||
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| Chapters | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | |
Chapter
One: Calculations
Sun-tzu said: Warfare is a great matter
to a nation; it is the ground of death and of life; it is the way of survival and of
destruction, and must be examined. Therefore, go through it by means of five factors;
compare them by means of calculation, and determine their statuses:
All these five no general has not heard; one who knows them is victorious, one who does not know them is not victorious. Therefore, compare them by means of calculation, and determine their statuses. Ask: Which ruler has the Way, which general has the ability, which has gained Heaven and Ground, which carried out Law and commands, which army is strong, which officers and soldiers are trained, which reward and punish clearly, by means of these, I know victory and defeat! + A general who listens to my calculations, and uses them, will surely be victorious, keep him; a general who does not listen to my calculations, and does not use them, will surely be defeated, remove him. Calculate advantages by means of what was heard, then create force in order to assist outside missions. Force is the control of the balance of power, in accordance with advantages. Warfare is the Way of deception. Therefore, if able, appear unable, if active, appear not active, if near, appear far, if far, appear near. If they have advantage, entice them; if they are confused, take them, if they are substantial, prepare for them, if they are strong, avoid them, if they are angry, disturb them, if they are humble, make them haughty, if they are relaxed, toil them, if they are united, separate them. Attack where they are not prepared, go out to where they do not expect. This specialized warfare leads to victory, and may not be transmitted beforehand. Before doing battle, in the temple one calculates and will win, because many calculations were made; before doing battle, in the temple one calculates and will not win, because few calculations were made; many calculations, victory, few calculations, no victory, then how much less so when no calculations? By means of these, I can observe them, beholding victory or defeat!
Chapter Two: Doing Battle When doing battle, seek a quick victory. A protracted battle will blunt weapons and
dampen ardor. If troops lay siege to a walled city, their strength will be exhausted. If
the army is exposed to a prolonged campaign, the nation's resources will not suffice. When
weapons are blunted, and ardor dampened, strength exhausted, and resources depleted, the
neighboring rulers will take advantage of these complications. Then even the wisest of
counsels would not be able to avert the consequences that must ensue. Therefore, I have
heard of military campaigns that were clumsy but swift, but I have never seen military
campaigns that were skilled but protracted. No nation has ever benefited from protracted
warfare. Therefore, if one is not fully cognizant of the dangers inherent in doing battle,
one cannot fully know the benefits of doing battle. Those skilled in doing battle do not
raise troops twice, or transport provisions three times. Take equipment from home but take
provisions from the enemy. Then the army will be sufficient in both equipment and
provisions. A nation can be impoverished by the army when it has to supply the army at
great distances. When provisions are transported at a great distances, the citizens will
be impoverished. Those in proximity to the army will sell goods at high prices. When goods
are expensive, the citizens' wealth will be exhausted. When their wealth is exhausted, the
peasantry will be afflicted with increased taxes. When all strength has been exhausted and
resources depleted, all houses in the central plains utterly impoverished, seven-tenths of
the citizens' wealth dissipated, the government's expenses from damaged chariots, worn-out
horses, armor, helmets, arrows and crossbows, halberds and shields, draft oxen, and heavy
supply wagons, will be six-tenths of its reserves. Therefore, a wise general will strive
to feed off the enemy. One bushel of the enemy's provisions is worth twenty of our own,
one picul of fodder is worth twenty of our own. Killing the enemy is a matter of arousing
anger in men; taking the enemy's wealth is a matter of reward. Therefore, in chariot
battles, reward the first to capture at least ten chariots. Replace the enemy's flags and
standards with our own. Mix the captured chariots with our own, treat the captured
soldiers well. This is called defeating the enemy and increasing our strength. Therefore,
the important thing in doing battle is victory, not protracted warfare. Therefore, a
general who understands warfare is the guardian of people's lives, and the ruler of the
nation's security.
Sun-tzu said: Generally, the requirements
of warfare are this way:
Chapter Three: Planning Attacks
Sun-tzu said: Generally in warfare,
keeping a nation intact is best, destroying a nation second best; keeping an army intact
is best, destroying an army second best; keeping a battalion intact is best, destroying a
battalion second best; keeping a company intact is best, destroying a company second best;
keeping a squad intact is best, destroying a squad second best. Therefore, to gain a
hundred victories in a hundred battles is not the highest excellence; to subjugate the
enemy's army without doing battle is the highest of excellence. Therefore, the best
warfare strategy is to attack the enemy's plans, next is to attack alliances, next is to
attack the army, and the worst is to attack a walled city. Laying siege to a city is only
done when other options are not available. To build large protective shields, armored
wagons, and make ready the necessary arms and equipment will require at least three
months. To build earthen mounds against the walls will require another three months. If
the general cannot control his temper and sends troops to swarm the walls, one third of
them will be killed, and the city will still not be taken. This is the kind of calamity
when laying siege to a walled city. Therefore, one who is skilled in warfare principles
subdues the enemy without doing battle, takes the enemy's walled city without attacking,
and overthrows the enemy quickly, without protracted warfare. His aim must be to take
All-Under-Heaven intact. Therefore, weapons will not be blunted, and gains will be intact.
These are the principles of planning attacks. Generally in warfare: If ten times the
enemy's strength, surround them; if five times, attack them; if double, divide them; if
equal, be able to fight them; if fewer, be able to evade them; if weaker, be able to avoid
them. Therefore, a smaller army that is inflexible will be captured by a larger one. A
general is the safeguard of the nation. When this support is in place, the nation will
certainly be strong. When this support is not in place, the nation will certainly not be
strong. There are three ways the ruler can bring difficulty to the army: To order an
advance when not realizing the army is in no position to advance, or to order a withdrawal
when not realizing the army is in no position to withdraw. This is called entangling the
army. By not knowing the army's matters, and administering the army the same as
administering civil matters, the officers and troops will be confused. By not knowing the
army's calculations, and taking command of the army, the officers and troops will be
hesitant. When the army is confused and hesitant, the neighboring rulers will take
advantage. This is called a confused and hesitant army leading another to victory.
Therefore, there are five factors of knowing who will win: One who knows when he can
fight, and when he cannot fight, will be victorious; one who knows how to use both large
and small forces will be victorious; one who knows how to unite upper and lower ranks in
purpose will be victorious; one who is prepared and waits for the unprepared will be
victorious; one whose general is able and is not interfered by the ruler will be
victorious. These five factors are the way to know who will win. Therefore I say: One who
knows the enemy and knows himself will not be in danger in a hundred battles. One who does
not know the enemy but knows himself will sometimes win, sometimes lose. One who does not
know the enemy and does not know himself will be in danger in every battle.
Chapter Four: Formation
Sun-tzu said: In ancient times, those
skilled in warfare make themselves invincible and then wait for the enemy to become
vulnerable. Being invincible depends on oneself, but the enemy becoming vulnerable depends
on himself. Therefore, those skilled in warfare can make themselves invincible, but cannot
necessarily cause the enemy to be vulnerable. Therefore it is said one may know how to win
but cannot necessarily do it. One takes on invincibility defending, one takes on
vulnerability attacking. One takes on sufficiency defending, one takes on deficiency
attacking. Those skilled in defense conceal themselves in the lowest depths of the Earth,
Those skilled in attack move in the highest reaches of the Heavens. Therefore, they are
able to protect themselves and achieve complete victory. Perceiving a victory when it is
perceived by all is not the highest excellence. Winning battles such that the whole world
says "excellent" is not the highest excellence. For lifting an autumn down is
not considered great strength, seeing the sun and the moon is not considered a sign of
sharp vision, hearing thunder is not considered a sign of sensitive hearing. In ancient
times, those who are skilled in warfare gained victory where victory was easily gained.
Therefore, the victories from those skilled in warfare are not considered of great wisdom
or courage, because their victories have no miscalculations. No miscalculations mean the
victories are certain, achieving victory over those who have already lost. Therefore,
those skilled in warfare establish positions that make them invincible and do not miss
opportunities to attack the enemy. Therefore, a victorious army first obtains conditions
for victory, then seeks to do battle. A defeated army first seeks to do battle, then
obtains conditions for victory. Those skilled in warfare cultivate the Way, and preserve
the Law, therefore, they govern victory and defeat. The factors in warfare are: First,
measurement, second, quantity, third, calculation, fourth, comparison, and fifth, victory.
measurements are derived from Ground, quantities are derived from measurement,
calculations are derived from quantities, comparisons are derived from calculations, and
victories are derived from comparisons. A victorious army is like a ton against an ounce;
a defeated army is like an ounce against a ton! The victorious army is like pent up waters
released, bursting through a deep gorge. This is formation.
Chapter
Five: Force
Sun-tzu said: Generally, commanding of
many is like commanding of a few. It is a matter of dividing them into groups. Doing
battle with a large army is like doing battle with a small army. It is a matter of
communications through flags and pennants. What enable an army to withstand the enemy's
attack and not be defeated are uncommon and common maneuvers. The army will be like
throwing a stone against an egg; it is a matter of weakness and strength. Generally, in
battle, use the common to engage the enemy and the uncommon to gain victory. Those skilled
at uncommon maneuvers are as endless as the heavens and earth, and as inexhaustible as the
rivers and seas. Like the sun and the moon, they set and rise again. Like the four
seasons, they pass and return again. There are no more than five musical notes, yet the
variations in the five notes cannot all be heard. There are no more than five basic
colors, yet the variations in the five colors cannot all be seen. There are no more than
five basic flavors, yet the variations in the five flavors cannot all be tasted. In
battle, there are no more than two types of attacks: Uncommon and common, yet the
variations of the uncommon and common cannot all be comprehended. The uncommon and the
common produce each other, like an endless circle. Who can comprehend them? The rush of
torrential waters tossing boulders illustrates force. The strike of a bird of prey
breaking the body of its target illustrates timing. Therefore, the force of those skilled
in warfare is overwhelming, and their timing precise. Their force is like a drawn crossbow
and their timing is like the release of the trigger. Even in the midst of the turbulence
of battle, the fighting seemingly chaotic, they are not confused. Even in the midst of the
turmoil of battle, the troops seemingly going around in circles, they cannot be defeated.
Disorder came from order, fear came from courage, weakness came from strength. Disorder
coming from order is a matter of organization, fear coming from courage is a matter of
force, weakness coming from strength is a matter of formation. Therefore, those skilled in
moving the enemy use formation that which the enemy must respond. They offer bait that
which the enemy must take, manipulating the enemy to move while they wait in ambush. Those
skilled in warfare seek victory through force and do not require too much from
individuals. Therefore, they are able to select the right men and exploit force. One who
exploits force commands men into battle like rolling logs and boulders. Logs and boulders
are still when on flat ground, but roll when on steep ground. Square shapes are still, but
round shapes roll. Therefore, those skilled in warfare use force where the troops in
battle are like boulders rolling down a steep mountain. This is force.
Chapter Six: Weakness and Strength
Sun-tzu said: Generally the one who first
occupies the battlefield awaiting the enemy is at ease; the one who comes later and rushes
into battle is fatigued. Therefore those skilled warfare move the enemy, and are not moved
by the enemy. Getting the enemy to approach on his own accord is a matter of showing him
advantage; stopping him from approaching is a matter of showing him harm. Therefore, if
the enemy is at ease, be able to exhaust him; if the enemy is well fed, be able to starve
him; if the enemy is settled, be able to move him; appear at places where he must rush to
defend, and rush to places where he least expects. To march over a thousand li without
becoming distressed, march over where the enemy is not present. To be certain to take what
you attack, attack where the enemy cannot defend. To be certain of safety when defending,
defend where the enemy cannot attack. Therefore, against those skilled in attack, the
enemy does not know where to defend; against those skilled in defense, the enemy does not
know where to attack. Subtle! Subtle! They become formless. Mysterious! Mysterious! They
become soundless. Therefore, they are the masters of the enemy's fate. To achieve an
advance that cannot be hampered, rush to his weak points. To achieve a withdrawal that
cannot be pursued, depart with superior speed. Therefore, if we want to do battle, even if
the enemy is protected by high walls and deep moats, he cannot but do battle, because we
attack what he must rescue. If we do not want to do battle, even if we merely draw a line
on the ground, he will not do battle, because we divert his movements. Therefore, if we
can make the enemy show his position while we are formless, we will be at full force while
the enemy is divided. If our army is at full force and the enemy is divided, then we will
attack him at ten times his strength. Therefore, we are many and the enemy few. If we
attack our many against his few, the enemy will be in dire straits. The place of battle
must not be made known to the enemy. If it is not known, then the enemy must prepare to
defend many places. If he prepares to defend many places, then the forces will be few in
number. Therefore, if he prepares to defend the front, the back will be weak. If he
prepares to defend the back, the front will be weak. If he prepares to defend the left,
the right will be weak. If he prepares to defend the right, the left will be weak. If he
prepares to defend everywhere, everywhere will be weak. The few are those preparing to
defend against others, the many are those who make others prepare to defend against them.
Therefore, if one knows the place of battle and the day of battle, he can march a thousand
li and do battle. If one does not know the place of battle and the day of battle, then his
left cannot aid his right, and his right cannot aid his left; his front cannot aid his
back, and his back cannot aid his front. How much less so if he is separated by tens of
li, or even a few li. Based on my calculations, though Yueh's troops were many, what
advantage was this to them in respect to victory? Therefore I say, victory can be
achieved. Though the enemy is many, he can be prevented from doing battle. Therefore, know
the enemy's plans and calculate their strengths and weaknesses. Provoke him, to know his
patterns of movement. Determine his position, to know the ground of death and of life.
Probe him, to know where he is strong and where he is weak. The ultimate skill is to take
up a position where you are formless. If you are formless, the most penetrating spies will
not be able to discern you, or the wisest counsels will not be able to do calculations
against you. With formation, the army achieves victories yet they do not understand how.
Everyone knows the formation by which you achieved victory, yet no one knows the
formations by which you were able to create victory. Therefore, your strategy for
victories in battle is not repetitious, and your formations in response to the enemy are
endless. The army's formation is like water. The water's formation avoids the high and
rushes to the low. So an army's formation avoids the strong and rushes to the weak.
Water's formation adapts to the ground when flowing. So then an army's formation adapts to
the enemy to achieve victory. Therefore, an army does not have constant force, or have
constant formation. Those who are able to adapt and change in accord with the enemy and
achieve victory are called divine. Therefore, of the five elements, none a constant
victor, of the four seasons, none has constant position; the sun has short and long spans,
and the moon waxes and wanes.
Chapter Seven: Armed Struggle
Sun-tzu said: Generally, the principles
of warfare are: The general receives his commands from the ruler, assembles the troops,
mobilizes the army, and sets up camp. There is nothing more difficult than armed struggle.
In armed struggle, the difficulty is turning the circuitous into the direct, and turning
adversity into advantage. Therefore, if you make the enemy's route circuitous and bait him
with advantages, though you start out behind him, you will arrive before him. This is to
know the calculations of the circuitous and of the direct. Therefore, armed struggle has
advantages, and armed struggle has risks. If the entire army mobilizes for an advantage,
you will not arrive on time. If a reduced army mobilizes for an advantage, your stores and
equipment will be lost. For this reason, by rolling up your armor, rushing forward without
stopping day or night, covering twice the usual distance for an advantage a hundred li
away, the general will be captured. The strong will arrive first, the weak will lag
behind, and as a rule, only one-tenth will arrive. If one struggles for an advantage fifty
li away, the general of the front forces will be thwarted, and as a rule only one half
will arrive. If one struggles for an advantage thirty li away, then two-thirds of the army
will arrive. For this reason, if an army is without its equipment will lose; if an army is
without its provisions will lose; if the army is without its stores will lose. Therefore,
one who does not know the intentions of the rulers of the neighboring states cannot secure
alliances. One who does not know the mountains and forests, gorges and defiles, swamps and
wetlands cannot advance the army. One who does not use local guides cannot take advantage
of the ground. Therefore, the army is established on deception, mobilized by advantage,
and changed through dividing up and consolidating the troops. Therefore, it advances like
the wind; it marches like the forest; it invades and plunders like fire; it stands like
the mountain; it is formless like the dark; it strikes like thunder. When you plunder the
countryside, divide the wealth among your troops; when you expand your territory, divide
up and hold places of advantage. Calculate the situation, and then move. Those who know
the principles of the circuitous and direct will be victorious. This is armed struggle.
The Book of Military Administration says: It is because words cannot be clearly heard in
battle, drums and gongs are used; it is because troops cannot see each other clearly in
battle, flags and pennants are used. Therefore, in night battles use torches and drums; in
day battles use flags and pennants. Drums, gongs, flags, and pennants are used to unite
men's eyes and ears. When the men are united, the brave cannot advance alone, the cowardly
cannot retreat alone. These are the principles for employing a large number of troops.
Therefore, in night battles, use many torches and drums, and in day battles, use many
flags and pennants in order to influence men's eyes and ears. The energy of the army can
be dampened, and the general's mind can be dampened. Therefore, in the morning, energy is
high, but during the day energy begins to flag; and in the evening, energy is exhausted.
Therefore, those skilled in the use of force avoid high energy, and strike when energy is
exhausted. This is the way to manage energy. Disciplined, wait for disorder; calm, wait
for clamor. This is the way to manage the mind. Near, wait for the distant; rested, wait
for the fatigued; full, wait for the hungry. This is the way to manage strength. Do not do
battle with well ordered flags; do not do battle with well-regulated formations. This is
the way to manage adaptation. Therefore, the principles of warfare are: Do not attack an
enemy that has the high ground; do not attack an enemy that has his back to a hill; do not
pursue feigned retreats; do not attack elite troops; do not swallow the enemy's bait; do
not thwart an enemy retreating home. If you surround the enemy, leave an outlet; do not
press an enemy that is cornered. These are the principles of warfare.
Chapter
Eight: Nine Changes
Sun-tzu said: Generally, the principles
of warfare are: The general receives his commands from the ruler, assembles the armies,
and mobilizes the masses. Do not camp on difficult ground. Unite with your allies on
intersecting ground. Do not stay on open ground. Be prepared on surrounded ground. Do
battle on deadly ground. There are routes not to be taken; there are armies not to be
attacked; there are walled cities not to be besieged; there are grounds not to be
penetrated; there are commands not to be obeyed. Therefore, the general who knows the
advantages of the nine changes knows how to use the troops. If the general does not know
the advantages of the nine changes, even if he knows the lay of the land, he will not be
able to take advantage of the ground. Those who commands an army but does not know the
principles of the nine changes, even if he is familiar with the five advantages, will not
be able to best use his troops. Therefore, the intelligent general contemplates both the
advantages and disadvantages. Contemplating the advantages, he fulfills his calculations;
contemplating the disadvantages, he removes his difficulties. Therefore, subjugate the
neighboring rulers with potential disadvantages, labor the neighboring rulers with
constant matters, and have the neighboring rulers rush after advantages. So the principles
of warfare are: Do not depend on the enemy not coming, but depend on our readiness against
him. Do not depend on the enemy not attacking, but depend on our position that cannot be
attacked. Therefore, there are five dangerous traits of a general: He who is reckless can
be killed. He who is cowardly can be captured. He who is quick tempered can be insulted.
He who is moral can be shamed. He who is fond of the people can be worried. These five
traits are faults in a general, and are disastrous in warfare. The army's destruction, and
the death of the general are due to these five dangerous traits. They must be examined.
Chapter Nine: Army Maneuvers
Sun-tzu said: Generally, on positioning
the army and observing the enemy: To cross mountains, stay close to the valleys; observe
on high ground and face the sunny side. If the enemy holds the high ground, do not ascend
and do battle with him. This is positioning the army in the mountains. After crossing a
river, you must stay far away from it. If the enemy crosses a river, do not meet him in
the water. When half of his forces has crossed, it will then be advantageous to strike. If
you want to do battle with the enemy, do not position your forces near the water facing
the enemy; take high ground facing the sunny side, and do not position downstream. This is
positioning the army near rivers. After crossing swamps and wetlands, strive to quickly
get through them, and do not linger. If you do battle in swamps and wetlands, you must
position close to grass, with the trees to your back. This is positioning the army in
swamps and wetlands. On level ground, position on places that are easy to maneuver with
your right backed by high ground, with the dangerous ground in front, and safe ground to
the back. This is positioning the army on level ground. These are the four positions
advantageous to the army, which enabled the Yellow Emperor to conquer four rulers.
Generally, the army prefers high ground and dislikes low ground, values the sunny side and
despises the shady side, nourishes its health and occupies places with resources, and
avoids numerous sicknesses. These factors mean certain victory. Where there are hills and
embankments, you must position on the sunny side, with the hills and embankments to your
right back. These are advantages to the army. Use the ground for assistance. When the
rainwater rises and descends down to where you want to cross, wait until it settles. Where
there are ground with impassable ravines, Heaven's Wells, Heaven's Prisons, Heaven's Nets,
Heaven's Pits, and Heaven's Fissures, you must march quickly away from them. Do not
approach them. When we distance from them, draw the enemy to approach them. When we move
to face the enemy, he will have them at his back. When the army is flanked by high ground,
wetlands, tall reeds and grass, mountain forests, or areas with thick undergrowth, you
must search carefully and thoroughly, because these are places where men lie in ambush or
where spies hide. If the enemy is close and remains quiet, he occupies a natural
stronghold. If the enemy is far away and challenges you to do battle, he wants you to
advance, because he occupies level ground that is to his advantage. If trees move, he is
advancing; if there are obstacles placed in the undergrowth, he wants to make us
suspicious; if the birds take flight, he is lying in ambush; if the animals are in fear,
he is preparing to attack; if dust is high in straight columns, his chariots are
advancing; if dust is low and wide, his infantry is advancing. if the dust is scattered,
he is gathering wood; if the dust is sparse, coming and going, he is encamping. If he
speaks humbly, but increases warfare readiness, he will advance. If he speaks
belligerently and advances aggressively, he will retreat. If he speaks apologetically, he
needs a rest. If his light chariots move first and take position on the flanks, he is
setting up for battle. If he seeks peace without a treaty, he is calculating. If he sets
up his troops rapidly, he is expecting reinforcements. If half of his troops advances and
half of his troops retreats, he is trying to lure you. If the troops lean on their
weapons, they are hungry. If the troops who draw water drink first, they are thirsty. If
he sees advantage but does not take it, he is tired. If birds gather, he is not there. If
his troops cry at night, they are afraid. If the army is unsettled, the general is weak.
If the enemy's flags and pennants move about, he is in chaos. If the officers are
irritable, they are exhausted. If his horses are fed grain and his men meat, no longer
hangs up cooking pots, and does not return to camp, he is desperate. If troops constantly
gather in small groups and whisper together, he has lost his men. If he gives out rewards
frequently, he is running out of resources. If he gives out punishments frequently, he is
dire straits. If he is brutal at first, and then fears the masses, he is the extreme of
ineptitude. If he comes with offerings, he wants to rest. If his troops confront you with
anger, but do not do battle or leave their position, he must be investigated. In warfare,
numbers may not necessarily be an advantage; do not advance aggressively. It is enough to
consolidate your strength, calculate the enemy, and get support from your men. One who
lacks strategic planning and underestimates the enemy will be captured. If one punishes
the troops before their loyalty is formed, they will be disobedient. If they are
disobedient, they will be difficult to use. If one does not punish the troops after their
loyalty is formed, they cannot be used. Therefore, if he commands them by benevolence, and
unifies them by discipline, this is called certain victory. If commands are consistently
enforced when training men, they will be obedient; if commands are not consistently
enforced when training men, they will be disobedient. If commands are consistently
executed, they are in accord with the general.
Chapter Ten: Ground Formation
Sun-tzu said: The grounds are accessible,
entrapping, stalemated, narrow, steep, and expansive. If you can go through but the enemy
cannot, it is called accessible. For accessible ground, first take the high and the sunny
side, and convenient supply routes. You then do battle with the advantage. If you can go
through but difficult to go back, it is called entrapping. For entrapping ground, if the
enemy is unprepared, advance and defeat him. If the enemy is prepared, and you advance and
are not victorious, it will be difficult to go back; this is disadvantageous. If it is not
advantageous to advance or for the enemy to advance, it is called stalemated. For
stalemated ground, though the enemy offers you advantage, do not advance. Withdraw. If you
strike them when half has advanced, this is advantageous. For narrow ground, we must
occupy it first; be prepared and wait for the enemy. If the enemy occupies it first, and
is prepared, do not follow him. If he is not prepared, follow him. For steep ground, if
you occupy it first, occupy the high on the sunny side and wait for the enemy. If the
enemy occupies it first, withdraw; do not follow him. For expansive ground, if the forces
are equal, it will be difficult to do battle. Doing battle will not be advantageous. These
are the six Ways of ground. They are the general's responsibility, and must be examined.
In warfare, there are flight, insubordination, deterioration, collapse, chaos, and
setback. These six situations are not caused by Heaven or Ground, but by the general. If
the forces are equal, and one attacks ten, this is called flight. If the troops are strong
but the officers weak, this is called insubordination. If the officers are strong but the
troops weak, this is called deterioration. If the officers are angry and insubordinate,
doing battle with the enemy under anger and insubordination, and the general does not know
their abilities, this is called collapse. If the general is weak and not disciplined, his
instructions not clear, the officers and troops lack discipline and their formation in
disarray, this is called chaos. If the general cannot calculate his enemy, and uses a
small number against a large number, his weak attacking the strong, and has no selected
vanguard, this is called setback. These are the six Ways of defeat. They are the general's
responsibility, and must be examined. Formations of the ground assist the army. To
calculate the enemy, create conditions leading to victory, calculating the dangers and
distances. They are the Ways of the superior general. Those who do battle and know these
are certain for victory. Those who do battle and do not know these are certain for defeat.
Therefore, if the Way of warfare indicates certain victory, though the ruler does not want
to do battle, the general may do battle. If the Way of warfare indicates defeat, though
the ruler wants to do battle, the general may not do battle. Therefore, the general who
does not advance to seek glory, or does not withdraw to avoid punishment, but cares for
only the people's security and promotes the people's interests, is the nation's treasure.
He looks upon his troops as children, and they will advance to the deepest valleys. He
looks upon his troops as his own children, and they will die with him. If the general is
kind to the troops, but cannot use them, or if the general loves the troops, but cannot
command them, or if the general does not discipline the troops, but cannot establish
order, the troops are like spoiled children and are useless. If I know the troops can
attack, but do not know the enemy cannot attack, my victory is half. If I know the enemy
can be attacked, but do not know the troops cannot attack, my victory is half. If I know
the enemy can be attacked, and know the troops can attack, but do not know the ground in
battle, my victory is half. Therefore, one who knows how to advance the army is limitless
when taking action. Therefore I say, if you know the enemy and know yourself, the victory
is not at risk. If you know the Heaven and you know the Ground, the victory is complete.
Chapter Eleven: Nine Grounds
Sun-tzu said: The principles of warfare
are: There are dispersive ground, marginal ground, contentious ground, open ground,
intersecting ground, critical ground, difficult ground, surrounded ground, and deadly
ground. Where the rulers do battle in their own ground, this is called dispersive ground.
Where one enters the other's ground but not deep, this is called marginal ground. Where it
is advantageous if you occupy it and it is advantageous if the enemy occupies it, this is
called contentious ground. Where one can come and go, this is called open ground. Where
ground is surrounded by others, and the first one to reach it will gain the support of the
masses, this is called intersecting ground. Where one enters deep into enemy ground, with
many walled cities and towns to his back, this is called critical ground. Where there are
mountains and forests, defiles and ravines, swamps and wetlands, and places difficult to
pass, this is called difficult ground. Where the entrance is narrow, the exit circuitous,
allowing the enemy to attack his few to our many, this is called surrounded ground. Where
if one who does battle with full force survives, and one who does not do battle with full
force perishes, this is called deadly ground. Therefore, on dispersive ground, do not do
battle. On marginal ground, do not stop. On contentious ground, do not attack. On open
ground, do not become separated. On intersecting ground, form alliances. On critical
ground, plunder. On difficult ground, press on. On surrounded ground, be prepared. On
deadly ground, do battle. In ancient times, those skilled in warfare were able to prevent
the unity of the enemy's front and back, the many and the few, the noble and the peasants,
and the superiors and the subordinates. Have the enemy be separated and unable to
assemble; if the enemy is assembled, it should not be organized. Move when advantageous,
stop when not advantageous. Ask: If the enemy is large in number and advances, what should
be the response? I say: Seize what he values, and he will do what you wish. The essential
factor in warfare is speed. To take advantage of the enemy's lack of preparation, take
unexpected routes to attack where the enemy is not prepared. Generally, the Way of
invading is when one has penetrated deep into enemy ground, the troops are united; the
defender will not be able to prevail. If you plunder the fertile fields, the army will
have enough provisions. If you take care of your health, avoid fatigue, you will be
united, and will build strength. When moving troops and calculating plans, be formless.
Throw your troops into situations where there is no escape, where they will die before
escaping. When they are about to die, what can they not do? They will exert their full
strength. When the troops are in desperate situations, they fear nothing; having
penetrated deep in enemy ground, they are united. When there are no other alternatives,
they will fight. Therefore, though not disciplined, they are alert; though not asked, they
are devoted; though without promises, they are faithful; and though not commanded, they
are trustworthy. Prohibit omens, and get rid of doubts, and they will die without any
other thoughts. The soldiers do not have wealth, but not because they dislike material
goods; they do not live long, but not because they dislike longevity. On the day the men
are issued orders to do battle, the sitting soldiers' tears will soak their sleeves, and
the lying soldiers' tears will roll down their cheeks. However, if you throw them into a
desperate situation, they will have the courage of Chuan Chu or Ts'ao Kuei. Therefore,
those skilled in warfare are like the shuaijan. The shuaijan is a serpent on Mount Chang.
If you strike its head, its tail attacks; if you strike its tail, its head attacks; if you
strike its middle, both the head and tail attack. Ask: Can forces be made like the
shuaijan? I say: They can. The men of Wu and Yueh hated each other, however, encountering
severe winds when crossing a river on the same boat, they assisted each other like left
and right hands. Therefore, hobbling horses and burying chariot wheels are not enough. The
Way of organization is uniting their courage, making the best of the strong and the weak
through the principles of Ground. Therefore, one who is skilled in warfare leads them by
the hand like they are one person; they cannot but follow. It is important for a general
to be calm and remote, upright and disciplined, and be able to mystify his men's eyes and
ears, keeping them ignorant. He changes his methods and plans, keeping them from knowing.
He changes his campsites and takes circuitous routes, keeping them from anticipating. The
day the general leads his troops into battle, it is like climbing up high and throwing
away the ladder. He leads his troops deep into enemy ground, and releases the trigger. He
burns his boats and destroys the cooking pots. He commands his troops like herding sheep;
being herded to and fro without them knowing where they are going. Assembling the masses
of the army, and throwing them into danger are the responsibility of the general.
Adaptations to the nine grounds, the advantages in defensive and offensive maneuvers, and
the patterns of human emotions must be examined. Generally, the Way of invading is: When
troops are deep in enemy ground, they are united; when troops are not deep in enemy
ground, they are scattered. Where you leave your country, and lead the troops across the
border into enemy ground, this is called isolated ground. Where there are four sides open,
this is called intersecting ground. Where you penetrated deep in enemy ground, this is
called critical ground. Where you penetrated little in enemy ground, this is called
marginal ground. Where the back is impassable and the front is narrow, this is called
surrounded ground. Where there is nowhere to go, this is called deadly ground. Therefore,
on isolated ground, I have my troops united. On marginal ground, I consolidate my troops.
On contentious ground, I hurry my back. On open ground, I pay attention to our defenses.
On intersecting ground, I strengthen our alliances. On critical ground, I maintain
continuous supply of provisions. On difficult ground, I press on quickly. On surrounded
ground, I block off openings. On deadly ground, I show the troops our resolve to fight to
the death. Therefore, the nature of the army is: To defend when surrounded, to fight hard
when there are no other alternatives, and to obey commands promptly when in danger.
Therefore, one who does not know the intentions of the rulers of the neighboring states
cannot secure alliances. One who does not know the mountains and forests, gorges and
defiles, swamps and wetlands cannot advance the army. One who does not use local guides
cannot take advantage of the ground. One who does not know any one of these matters cannot
command the army of a ruler. When the army of a ruler attacks a great nation, the nation's
masses cannot assemble. When its power overwhelms the nation, alliances cannot be formed.
Therefore, one does not contend for alliances with other nations. One does not foster the
power of other nations. If one pursues his aims, overwhelming the enemy, then, he can take
the enemy's cities and overthrow kingdoms. Give out rewards transcending law, give out
commands transcending policy. Command the masses like commanding one person. Give your
troops tasks, but do not reveal them your plans. Get them to face danger, but do not
reveal the advantages. Throw them into danger and they will survive; put them on deadly
ground and they will live. Only if the troops are in situations of danger will they turn
defeat into victory. The concern of warfare is that operations are in accord with the
enemy's intentions. If one then concentrates his strength on the enemy, killing his
general a thousand li away, this is called achieving objectives through wit and skill.
Therefore, on the day war is declared, close off all borders, destroy all passports, and
do not allow their envoys to pass. Go through your plans in the temple and bring about the
execution of those plans. If the enemy presents an opportunity, take advantage of it.
Attack what he values most. Do not advance on any fixed day or time; calculate and adapt
to the enemy to determine the matter of doing battle. Therefore, be like a maiden; once
the enemy opens the door, be like a scurrying hare. The enemy will be unable to prevail.
Chapter
Twelve: Fire Attacks
Sun-tzu said: There are five kinds of
fire attacks: One, burning personnel; two, burning provisions; three, burning equipment;
four, burning stores; five, burning weapons. Using fire attacks depends on proper
conditions. Equipment for fire attacks must be available beforehand. There are appropriate
seasons for using fire attacks, and appropriate days for raising fires. The appropriate
season is when the weather is dry; the appropriate day is when the moon is at Chi, Pi, I,
or Chen. These four days are when there are rising winds. Generally, in fire attacks, you
must respond according to the five changes of fire: If the fires are set inside enemy
camp, you must respond quickly outside the enemy camp; if the fires are set but the enemy
is calm, then wait, do not attack. Let the fire reach its height, and follow up if you
can, stay if you cannot; If the fire attack can be set outside, without relying on the
inside, set it when the time is right. If the fire is set upwind, do not attack downwind.
If it is windy all during the day, the wind will stop at night. The army must know the
five changes of fire, to be able to calculate the appropriate days. Those who use fire to
assist in attacks are intelligent, those who use water to assist in attacks are powerful.
Water can be used to cut off the enemy, but cannot be used to plunder. If one gains
victory in battle and is successful in attacks, but does not exploit those achievements,
it is disastrous. This is called waste and delay. Therefore, I say the wise general thinks
about it, and the good general executes it. If it is not advantageous, do not move; if
there is no gain, do not use troops; if there is no danger, do not do battle. The ruler
may not move his army out of anger; the general may not do battle out of wrath. If it is
advantageous, move; if it is not advantageous, stop. Those angry will be happy again, and
those wrathful will be cheerful again, but a destroyed nation cannot exist again, the dead
cannot be brought back to life. Therefore, the enlightened ruler is prudent, the good
general is cautious. This is the Way of securing the nation, and preserving the army.
Chapter Thirteen: Using Spies
Sun-tzu said: Generally, raising an army
of a hundred thousand and advancing it a thousand li, the expenses to the people and the
nation's resources are one thousand gold pieces a day. Those in commotion internally and
externally, those exhausted on the roads, and those unable to do their daily work are
seven hundred thousand families. Two sides remain in standoff for several years in order
to do battle for a decisive victory on a single day. Yet one refusing to outlay a hundred
pieces of gold and thereby does not know the enemy's situation is the height of
inhumanity. This one is not the general of the people, a help to the ruler, or the master
of victory. What enables the enlightened rulers and good generals to conquer the enemy at
every move and achieve extraordinary success is foreknowledge. Foreknowledge cannot be
elicited from ghosts and spirits; it cannot be inferred from comparison of previous
events, or from the calculations of the heavens, but must be obtained from people who have
knowledge of the enemy's situation. Therefore there are five kinds of spies used: Local
spies, internal spies, double spies, dead spies, and living spies. When all five are used,
and no one knows their Way, it is called the divine organization, and is the ruler's
treasure. For local spies, we use the enemy's people. For internal spies we use the
enemy's officials. For double spies we use the enemy's spies. For dead spies we use agents
to spread misinformation to the enemy, For living spies, we use agents to return with
reports. Therefore, of those close to the army, none is closer than spies, no reward more
generously given, and no matter in greater secrecy. Only the wisest ruler can use spies;
only the most benevolent and upright general can use spies, and only the most alert and
observant person can get the truth using spies. It is subtle, subtle! There is nowhere
that spies cannot be used. If a spy's activities are leaked before they are to begin, the
spy and those who know should be put to death. Generally, if you want to attack an army,
besiege a walled city, assassinate individuals, you must know the identities of the
defending generals, assistants, associates, gate guards, and officers. You must have spies
seek and learn them. You must seek enemy spies. Bribe them, and instruct and retain them.
Therefore, double spies can be obtained and used. From their knowledge, you can obtain
local and internal spies. From their knowledge, the dead spies can spread misinformation
to the enemy. From their knowledge, our living spies can be used as planned. The ruler
must know these five kinds of espionage. This knowledge depends on the double spies.
Therefore, you must treat them with the utmost generosity. In ancient times, the rise of
the Yin dynasty was due to I Chih, who served the house of Hsia; the rise of the Chou
dynasty was due to Lu Ya, who served the house of Yin. Therefore, enlightened rulers and
good generals who are able to obtain intelligent agents as spies are certain for great
achievements. This is essential for warfare, and what the army depends on to move.