Sun Tzu Dictionary
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Advantage.
8.9. If, on the other hand, in the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.
12.17. Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.
12.19. If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are.
Alliances.
7.12. We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbour.
11.52. We cannot enter into alliance with neighbouring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country--its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.
Ally.
11.55. Hence he does not strive to ally himself with all and sundry, nor does he foster the power of other states. He carries out his own secret designs, keeping his antagonists in awe. Thus he is able to capture their cities and overthrow their kingdoms.
Annoying.
6. 3. Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.
Anticipation.
8.11. The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.
Avoid.
6. 30. So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.
Bluster.
9.37. To begin by bluster, but afterwards to take fright at the enemy's numbers, shows a supreme lack of intelligence.
Business of the general..
11.40. To muster his host and bring it into danger:--this may be termed the business of the general.
11.35. It is the business of a generalto be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.
Calamities.
10.14. Now an army is exposed to six several calamities, not arising from natural causes, but from faults for which the general is responsible. These are: (1) Flight; (2) insubordination; (3) collapse; (4) ruin; (5) disorganisation; (6) rout.
Captain.
6. 33. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven- born captain.
Children.
10.25. Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.
10.26. If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.
Circumstances.
7.32. To refrain from intercepting an enemy whose banners are in perfect order, to refrain from attacking an army drawn up in calm and confident array:--this is the art of studying circumstances.
Clever.
4.11. What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.
Collapse.
10.16. When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.
Comparison.
6. 24. Carefully compare the opposing army with your own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.
Compassionate
3. 1. Sun Tzu said: In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good. So, too, it is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them.
Constant.
6. 32. Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.
Controlling.
5.1. Sun Tzu said: The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.
Council.
11.64. Be stern in the council-chamber, so that you may control the situation.
Courage.
11.32. The principle on which to manage an army is to set up one standard of courage which all must reach.
Cowardice
8.12(2) cowardice, which leads to capture.
Damage.
8.10. Reduce the hostile chiefs by inflicting damage on them; and make trouble for them, and keep them constantly engaged; hold out specious allurements, and make them rush to any given point.
Decisive.
5.13. The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.
Defeat.
4.2. To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Deliberate.
7.21. Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.
Design.
11.57. Confront your soldiers with the deed itself; never let them know your design. When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.
Deviation.
7.4. Thus, to take a long and circuitous route, after enticing the enemy out of the way, and though starting after him, to contrive to reach the goal before him, shows knowledge of the artifice of DEVIATION.
Devious.
1. 19. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
Disaffection.
9.35. The sight of men whispering together in small knots or speaking in subdued tones points to disaffection amongst the rank and file.
9.36. Too frequent rewards signify that the enemy is at the end of his resources; too many punishments betray a condition of dire distress.
Direct.
5.10. In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack - the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of manoeuvres.
Discipline.
9.44. If in training soldiers commands are habitually enforced, the army will be well-disciplined; if not, its discipline will be bad.
Discriminating.
5.21. The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals. Hence his ability to pick out the right men and utilise combined energy.
Disobey.
8.3. There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must be not attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.
10.23. If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.
Disorganisation.
10.18. When the general is weak and without authority; when his orders are not clear and distinct; when there are no fixes duties assigned to officers and men, and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner, the result is utter disorganisation.
Disposition.
6. 13. By discovering the enemy's dispositions and remaining invisible ourselves, we can keep our forces concentrated, while the enemy's must be divided.
Earth
10.13. These six are the principles connected with Earth. The general who has attained a responsible post must be careful to study them. (1) Accessible ground; (2) entangling ground; (3) temporizing ground; (4) narrow passes; (5) precipitous heights; (6) positions at a great distance from the enemy.
Engaging.
6. 11. If we wish to fight, the enemy can be forced to an engagement even though he be sheltered behind a high rampart and a deep ditch. All we need do is attack some other place that he will be obliged to relieve.
Enlightened.
12.22. Hence the enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution. This is the way to keep a country at peace and an army intact.
13.27. Hence it is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for purposes of spying and thereby they achieve great results. Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.
Evasive.
6. 12. If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.
Experience.
10.30. Hence the experienced soldier, once in motion, is never bewildered; once he has broken camp, he is never at a loss.
Experienced.
2.7. It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.
Fate.
12.15. Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the spirit of enterprise; for the result is waste of time and general stagnation.
Fighters.
4.1. Sun Tzu said: The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.
Fire.
12.1. Sun Tzu said: There are five ways of attacking with fire. The first is to burn soldiers in their camp; the second is to burn stores; the third is to burn baggage trains; the fourth is to burn arsenals and magazines; the fifth is to hurl dropping fire amongst the enemy.
Flexible
13.5. Now this foreknowledge cannot be elicited from spirits; it cannot be obtained inductively from experience, nor by any deductive calculation.
Focused.
6. 19. Knowing the place and the time of the coming battle, we may concentrate from the greatest distances in order to fight.
Forethought.
9.41. He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.
Frustrated.
4.4. Hence the saying: One may KNOW how to conquer without being able to DO it.
Generous.
7.20. When you plunder a countryside, let the spoil be divided amongst your men; when you capture new territory, cut it up into allotments for the benefit of the soldiery.
Ground.
11.1. Sun Tzu said: The art of war recognises nine varieties of ground: (1) Dispersive ground; (2) facile ground; (3) contentious ground; (4) open ground; (5) ground of intersecting highways; (6) serious ground; (7) difficult ground; (8) hemmed-in ground; (9) desperate ground.
11.33. How to make the best of both strong and weak--that is a question involving the proper use of ground.
11.41. The different measures suited to the nine varieties of ground; the expediency of aggressive or defensive tactics; and the fundamental laws of human nature: these are things that must most certainly be studied.
Guides.
7.14. We shall be unable to turn natural advantage to account unless we make use of local guides.
11.52. We cannot enter into alliance with neighboring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country--its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.
Harmonise.
7.2. Having collected an army and concentrated his forces, he must blend and harmonise the different elements thereof before pitching his camp.
Honour.
8.12(4) a delicacy of honour which is sensitive to shame.
Humanity.
9.43. Therefore soldiers must be treated in the first instance with humanity, but kept under control by means of iron discipline. This is a certain road to victory.
Inexhaustible.
5.6. Indirect tactics, efficiently applied, are inexhaustible as Heaven and Earth, unending as the flow of rivers and streams; like the sun and moon, they end but to begin anew; like the four seasons, they pass away to return once more.
Imposing.
6.2. Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.
Inferior.
6. 15. And if we are able thus to attack an inferior force with a superior one, our opponents will be in dire straits.
Infinite.
6. 28. Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.
Inhumanity.
13. 2. Hostile armies may face each other for years, striving for the victory which is decided in a single day. This being so, to remain in ignorance of the enemy's condition simply because one grudges the outlay of a hundred ounces of silver in honours and emoluments, is the height of inhumanity.
Inscrutable.
6. 26. How victory may be produced for them out of the enemy's own tactics--that is what the multitude cannot comprehend.
Kingdom.
12.21. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.
Knowledge.
13.6. Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions can only be obtained from other men.
3.25. The end and aim of spying in all its five varieties is knowledge of the enemy; and this knowledge can only be derived, in the first instance, from the converted spy. Hence it is essential that the converted spy be treated.
Manipulation.
3.8. When these five kinds of spy are all at work, none can discover the secret system. This is called "divine manipulation of the threads." It is the sovereign's most precious faculty.
Manoeuvring.
7.3. After that, comes tactical manoeuvring, than which there is nothing more difficult. The difficulty of tactical manoeuvring consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.
7.22. He will conquer who has learnt the artifice of deviation. Such is the art of manoeuvring.
Methodical.
5.5. In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.
Mobs.
7.5. Manoeuvring with an army is advantageous; with an undisciplined multitude, most dangerous.
Modesty.
10.24. The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.
Moods.
7.29. A clever general, therefore, avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods.
Mysterious.
6.27. All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
Mystify.
11.36. He must be able to mystify his officers and men by false reports and appearances, and thus keep them in total ignorance.
Numerical
6.18. Numerical weakness comes from having to prepare against possible attacks; numerical strength, from compelling our adversary to make these preparations against us.
Orders.
9.45. If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.
Patience
3.17.4 He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.
Perfect.
4.13. He wins his battles by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.
Pivotal.
3.11. Now the general is the bulwark of the State; if the bulwark is complete at all points; the State will be strong; if the bulwark is defective, the State will be weak.
Plans.
12.16. Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.
Plot.
9.26. Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.
Prince.
11.54. When a warlike prince attacks a powerful state, his generalship shows itself in preventing the concentration of the enemy's forces. He overawes his opponents, and their allies are prevented from joining against him.
Practice
11.25. Thus, without waiting to be marshalled, the soldiers will be constantly on the qui vive; without waiting to be asked, they will do your will; without restrictions, they will be faithful; without giving orders, they can be trusted.
Punishment.
9.42. If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless.
Rapidity
11.19. Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.
Recklessness.
8.12 (1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction..
Rewards.
11.56. Bestow rewards without regard to rule, issue orders without regard to previous arrangements; and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man.
Robbed.
7.27. A whole army may be robbed of its spirit; a commander-in-chief may be robbed of his presence of mind.
Ruin.
10.17. When the higher officers are angry and insubordinate, and on meeting the enemy give battle on their own account from a feeling of resentment, before the commander-in-chief can tell whether or not he is in a position to fight, the result is ruin.
10.19. When a general, unable to estimate the enemy's strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one, or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one, and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank, the result must be rout.
Sagacity.
13.15. Spies cannot be usefully employed without a certain intuitive sagacity.
Self-possession..
7.30. Disciplined and calm, to await the appearance of disorder and hubbub amongst the enemy:--this is the art of retaining self-possession.
Scheming.
6.22. Though the enemy be stronger in numbers, we may prevent him from fighting. Scheme so as to discover his plans and the likelihood of their success.
Secretive.
6.16. The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few.
Secure.
4.3. Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.
Seer.
4. 8. To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence.
Skilful.
4.14. Hence the skilful fighter puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible, and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy.
5.19. Thus one who is skilful at keeping the enemy on the move maintains deceitful appearances, according to which the enemy will act. He sacrifices something, that the enemy may snatch at it.
6. 8. Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defence whose opponent does not know what to attack.
11.34. Thus the skilful general conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.
Sins.
8.13. These are the five besetting sins of a general, ruinous to the conduct of war.
(1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction;
(2) cowardice, which leads to capture;
(3) a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults;
(4) a delicacy of honour which is sensitive to shame;
(5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.
Soldier.
11.51. For it is the soldier's disposition to offer an obstinate resistance when surrounded, to fight hard when he cannot help himself, and to obey promptly when he has fallen into danger.
Solicitude.
8.12 (5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.
Spies.
13.7. Hence the use of spies, of whom there are five classes: (1) Local spies; (2) inward spies; (3) converted spies; (4) doomed spies; (5) surviving spies.
Spirit.
7.28. Now a soldier's spirit is keenest in the morning; by noonday it has begun to flag; and in the evening, his mind is bent only on returning to camp.
Strain.
2.3. Again, if the campaign is protracted, the resources of the State will not be equal to the strain.
Strategic..
3.2. Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
3.3. Thus the highest form of generalship is to baulk the enemy's plans; the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy's forces; the next in order is to attack the enemy's army in the field; and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities.
Strategy.
5.27. All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
Student.
8.6. So, the student of war who is unversed in the art of war of varying his plans, even though he be acquainted with the Five Advantages, will fail to make the best use of his men.
Subtle.
6. 9. O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible; and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands.
13.17. Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one cannot make certain of the truth of their reports.
13.18. Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business.
Success
4.16. The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.
11.60. Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.
Superstitious.
11.26. Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.
Sure.
7. You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defence if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.
Tactic
5.26. How victory may be produced for them out of the enemy's own tactics--that is what the multitude cannot comprehend.
6.29. Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards.
8.4. The general who thoroughly understands the advantages that accompany variation of tactics knows how to handle his troops.
11.41. The different measures suited to the nine varieties of ground; the expediency of aggressive or defensive tactics; and the fundamental laws of human nature: these are things that must most certainly be studied.
Tactical.
6.25. In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them; conceal your dispositions, and you will be safe from the prying of the subtlest spies, from the machinations of the wisest brains.
7.3. After that, comes tactical maneuvering, than which there is nothing more difficult. The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.
Temper
8.12(3) a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults.
Terrain.
10.1. Sun Tzu said: We may distinguish six kinds of terrain, to wit: (1) Accessible ground; (2) entangling ground; (3) temporising ground; (4) narrow passes; (5) precipitous heights; (6) positions at a great distance from the enemy.
Unpretentious.
4.12. Hence his victories bring him neither reputation for wisdom nor credit for courage.
Variation.
8.4. The general who thoroughly understands the advantages that accompany variation of tactics knows how to handle his troops.
Victorious.
4.15. Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
Victory.
1.26. Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.
2.19. In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.
4.15. Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
4.18. Measurement owes its existence to Earth; Estimation of quantity to Measurement; Calculation to Estimation of quantity; Balancing of chances to Calculation; and Victory to Balancing of chances.
5.5. In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.
10.31. Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.
Wedge.
11.15. Those who were called skilful leaders of old knew how to drive a wedge between the enemy's front and rear; to prevent co-operation between his large and small divisions; to hinder the good troops from rescuing the bad, the officers from rallying their men.
Wise. 8.7. Hence in the wise leader's plans, considerations of advantage and of disadvantage will be blended together.
13.4. Thus, what enables the wise sovereign and the good general to strike and conquer, and achieve things beyond the reach of ordinary men, is foreknowledge.
8.9. If, on the other hand, in the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.
12.17. Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.
12.19. If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are.
Alliances.
7.12. We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbour.
11.52. We cannot enter into alliance with neighbouring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country--its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.
Ally.
11.55. Hence he does not strive to ally himself with all and sundry, nor does he foster the power of other states. He carries out his own secret designs, keeping his antagonists in awe. Thus he is able to capture their cities and overthrow their kingdoms.
Annoying.
6. 3. Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.
Anticipation.
8.11. The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.
Avoid.
6. 30. So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.
Bluster.
9.37. To begin by bluster, but afterwards to take fright at the enemy's numbers, shows a supreme lack of intelligence.
Business of the general..
11.40. To muster his host and bring it into danger:--this may be termed the business of the general.
11.35. It is the business of a generalto be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.
Calamities.
10.14. Now an army is exposed to six several calamities, not arising from natural causes, but from faults for which the general is responsible. These are: (1) Flight; (2) insubordination; (3) collapse; (4) ruin; (5) disorganisation; (6) rout.
Captain.
6. 33. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven- born captain.
Children.
10.25. Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.
10.26. If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.
Circumstances.
7.32. To refrain from intercepting an enemy whose banners are in perfect order, to refrain from attacking an army drawn up in calm and confident array:--this is the art of studying circumstances.
Clever.
4.11. What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.
Collapse.
10.16. When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.
Comparison.
6. 24. Carefully compare the opposing army with your own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.
Compassionate
3. 1. Sun Tzu said: In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good. So, too, it is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them.
Constant.
6. 32. Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.
Controlling.
5.1. Sun Tzu said: The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.
Council.
11.64. Be stern in the council-chamber, so that you may control the situation.
Courage.
11.32. The principle on which to manage an army is to set up one standard of courage which all must reach.
Cowardice
8.12(2) cowardice, which leads to capture.
Damage.
8.10. Reduce the hostile chiefs by inflicting damage on them; and make trouble for them, and keep them constantly engaged; hold out specious allurements, and make them rush to any given point.
Decisive.
5.13. The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.
Defeat.
4.2. To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Deliberate.
7.21. Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.
Design.
11.57. Confront your soldiers with the deed itself; never let them know your design. When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.
Deviation.
7.4. Thus, to take a long and circuitous route, after enticing the enemy out of the way, and though starting after him, to contrive to reach the goal before him, shows knowledge of the artifice of DEVIATION.
Devious.
1. 19. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
Disaffection.
9.35. The sight of men whispering together in small knots or speaking in subdued tones points to disaffection amongst the rank and file.
9.36. Too frequent rewards signify that the enemy is at the end of his resources; too many punishments betray a condition of dire distress.
Direct.
5.10. In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack - the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of manoeuvres.
Discipline.
9.44. If in training soldiers commands are habitually enforced, the army will be well-disciplined; if not, its discipline will be bad.
Discriminating.
5.21. The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals. Hence his ability to pick out the right men and utilise combined energy.
Disobey.
8.3. There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must be not attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.
10.23. If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.
Disorganisation.
10.18. When the general is weak and without authority; when his orders are not clear and distinct; when there are no fixes duties assigned to officers and men, and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner, the result is utter disorganisation.
Disposition.
6. 13. By discovering the enemy's dispositions and remaining invisible ourselves, we can keep our forces concentrated, while the enemy's must be divided.
Earth
10.13. These six are the principles connected with Earth. The general who has attained a responsible post must be careful to study them. (1) Accessible ground; (2) entangling ground; (3) temporizing ground; (4) narrow passes; (5) precipitous heights; (6) positions at a great distance from the enemy.
Engaging.
6. 11. If we wish to fight, the enemy can be forced to an engagement even though he be sheltered behind a high rampart and a deep ditch. All we need do is attack some other place that he will be obliged to relieve.
Enlightened.
12.22. Hence the enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution. This is the way to keep a country at peace and an army intact.
13.27. Hence it is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for purposes of spying and thereby they achieve great results. Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.
Evasive.
6. 12. If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.
Experience.
10.30. Hence the experienced soldier, once in motion, is never bewildered; once he has broken camp, he is never at a loss.
Experienced.
2.7. It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.
Fate.
12.15. Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the spirit of enterprise; for the result is waste of time and general stagnation.
Fighters.
4.1. Sun Tzu said: The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.
Fire.
12.1. Sun Tzu said: There are five ways of attacking with fire. The first is to burn soldiers in their camp; the second is to burn stores; the third is to burn baggage trains; the fourth is to burn arsenals and magazines; the fifth is to hurl dropping fire amongst the enemy.
Flexible
- 17. According as circumstances are favourable, one should modify one's plans.
13.5. Now this foreknowledge cannot be elicited from spirits; it cannot be obtained inductively from experience, nor by any deductive calculation.
Focused.
6. 19. Knowing the place and the time of the coming battle, we may concentrate from the greatest distances in order to fight.
Forethought.
9.41. He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.
Frustrated.
4.4. Hence the saying: One may KNOW how to conquer without being able to DO it.
Generous.
7.20. When you plunder a countryside, let the spoil be divided amongst your men; when you capture new territory, cut it up into allotments for the benefit of the soldiery.
Ground.
11.1. Sun Tzu said: The art of war recognises nine varieties of ground: (1) Dispersive ground; (2) facile ground; (3) contentious ground; (4) open ground; (5) ground of intersecting highways; (6) serious ground; (7) difficult ground; (8) hemmed-in ground; (9) desperate ground.
11.33. How to make the best of both strong and weak--that is a question involving the proper use of ground.
11.41. The different measures suited to the nine varieties of ground; the expediency of aggressive or defensive tactics; and the fundamental laws of human nature: these are things that must most certainly be studied.
Guides.
7.14. We shall be unable to turn natural advantage to account unless we make use of local guides.
11.52. We cannot enter into alliance with neighboring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country--its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.
Harmonise.
7.2. Having collected an army and concentrated his forces, he must blend and harmonise the different elements thereof before pitching his camp.
Honour.
8.12(4) a delicacy of honour which is sensitive to shame.
Humanity.
9.43. Therefore soldiers must be treated in the first instance with humanity, but kept under control by means of iron discipline. This is a certain road to victory.
Inexhaustible.
5.6. Indirect tactics, efficiently applied, are inexhaustible as Heaven and Earth, unending as the flow of rivers and streams; like the sun and moon, they end but to begin anew; like the four seasons, they pass away to return once more.
Imposing.
6.2. Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.
Inferior.
6. 15. And if we are able thus to attack an inferior force with a superior one, our opponents will be in dire straits.
Infinite.
6. 28. Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.
Inhumanity.
13. 2. Hostile armies may face each other for years, striving for the victory which is decided in a single day. This being so, to remain in ignorance of the enemy's condition simply because one grudges the outlay of a hundred ounces of silver in honours and emoluments, is the height of inhumanity.
Inscrutable.
6. 26. How victory may be produced for them out of the enemy's own tactics--that is what the multitude cannot comprehend.
Kingdom.
12.21. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.
Knowledge.
13.6. Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions can only be obtained from other men.
3.25. The end and aim of spying in all its five varieties is knowledge of the enemy; and this knowledge can only be derived, in the first instance, from the converted spy. Hence it is essential that the converted spy be treated.
Manipulation.
3.8. When these five kinds of spy are all at work, none can discover the secret system. This is called "divine manipulation of the threads." It is the sovereign's most precious faculty.
Manoeuvring.
7.3. After that, comes tactical manoeuvring, than which there is nothing more difficult. The difficulty of tactical manoeuvring consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.
7.22. He will conquer who has learnt the artifice of deviation. Such is the art of manoeuvring.
Methodical.
5.5. In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.
Mobs.
7.5. Manoeuvring with an army is advantageous; with an undisciplined multitude, most dangerous.
Modesty.
10.24. The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.
Moods.
7.29. A clever general, therefore, avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods.
Mysterious.
6.27. All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
Mystify.
11.36. He must be able to mystify his officers and men by false reports and appearances, and thus keep them in total ignorance.
Numerical
6.18. Numerical weakness comes from having to prepare against possible attacks; numerical strength, from compelling our adversary to make these preparations against us.
Orders.
9.45. If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.
Patience
3.17.4 He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.
Perfect.
4.13. He wins his battles by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.
Pivotal.
3.11. Now the general is the bulwark of the State; if the bulwark is complete at all points; the State will be strong; if the bulwark is defective, the State will be weak.
Plans.
12.16. Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.
Plot.
9.26. Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.
Prince.
11.54. When a warlike prince attacks a powerful state, his generalship shows itself in preventing the concentration of the enemy's forces. He overawes his opponents, and their allies are prevented from joining against him.
Practice
11.25. Thus, without waiting to be marshalled, the soldiers will be constantly on the qui vive; without waiting to be asked, they will do your will; without restrictions, they will be faithful; without giving orders, they can be trusted.
Punishment.
9.42. If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless.
Rapidity
11.19. Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.
Recklessness.
8.12 (1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction..
Rewards.
11.56. Bestow rewards without regard to rule, issue orders without regard to previous arrangements; and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man.
Robbed.
7.27. A whole army may be robbed of its spirit; a commander-in-chief may be robbed of his presence of mind.
Ruin.
10.17. When the higher officers are angry and insubordinate, and on meeting the enemy give battle on their own account from a feeling of resentment, before the commander-in-chief can tell whether or not he is in a position to fight, the result is ruin.
10.19. When a general, unable to estimate the enemy's strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one, or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one, and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank, the result must be rout.
Sagacity.
13.15. Spies cannot be usefully employed without a certain intuitive sagacity.
Self-possession..
7.30. Disciplined and calm, to await the appearance of disorder and hubbub amongst the enemy:--this is the art of retaining self-possession.
Scheming.
6.22. Though the enemy be stronger in numbers, we may prevent him from fighting. Scheme so as to discover his plans and the likelihood of their success.
Secretive.
6.16. The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few.
Secure.
4.3. Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.
Seer.
4. 8. To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence.
Skilful.
4.14. Hence the skilful fighter puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible, and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy.
5.19. Thus one who is skilful at keeping the enemy on the move maintains deceitful appearances, according to which the enemy will act. He sacrifices something, that the enemy may snatch at it.
6. 8. Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defence whose opponent does not know what to attack.
11.34. Thus the skilful general conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.
Sins.
8.13. These are the five besetting sins of a general, ruinous to the conduct of war.
(1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction;
(2) cowardice, which leads to capture;
(3) a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults;
(4) a delicacy of honour which is sensitive to shame;
(5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.
Soldier.
11.51. For it is the soldier's disposition to offer an obstinate resistance when surrounded, to fight hard when he cannot help himself, and to obey promptly when he has fallen into danger.
Solicitude.
8.12 (5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.
Spies.
13.7. Hence the use of spies, of whom there are five classes: (1) Local spies; (2) inward spies; (3) converted spies; (4) doomed spies; (5) surviving spies.
Spirit.
7.28. Now a soldier's spirit is keenest in the morning; by noonday it has begun to flag; and in the evening, his mind is bent only on returning to camp.
Strain.
2.3. Again, if the campaign is protracted, the resources of the State will not be equal to the strain.
Strategic..
3.2. Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
3.3. Thus the highest form of generalship is to baulk the enemy's plans; the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy's forces; the next in order is to attack the enemy's army in the field; and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities.
Strategy.
5.27. All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
Student.
8.6. So, the student of war who is unversed in the art of war of varying his plans, even though he be acquainted with the Five Advantages, will fail to make the best use of his men.
Subtle.
6. 9. O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible; and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands.
13.17. Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one cannot make certain of the truth of their reports.
13.18. Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business.
Success
4.16. The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.
11.60. Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.
Superstitious.
11.26. Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.
Sure.
7. You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defence if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.
Tactic
5.26. How victory may be produced for them out of the enemy's own tactics--that is what the multitude cannot comprehend.
6.29. Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards.
8.4. The general who thoroughly understands the advantages that accompany variation of tactics knows how to handle his troops.
11.41. The different measures suited to the nine varieties of ground; the expediency of aggressive or defensive tactics; and the fundamental laws of human nature: these are things that must most certainly be studied.
Tactical.
6.25. In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them; conceal your dispositions, and you will be safe from the prying of the subtlest spies, from the machinations of the wisest brains.
7.3. After that, comes tactical maneuvering, than which there is nothing more difficult. The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.
Temper
8.12(3) a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults.
Terrain.
10.1. Sun Tzu said: We may distinguish six kinds of terrain, to wit: (1) Accessible ground; (2) entangling ground; (3) temporising ground; (4) narrow passes; (5) precipitous heights; (6) positions at a great distance from the enemy.
Unpretentious.
4.12. Hence his victories bring him neither reputation for wisdom nor credit for courage.
Variation.
8.4. The general who thoroughly understands the advantages that accompany variation of tactics knows how to handle his troops.
Victorious.
4.15. Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
Victory.
1.26. Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.
2.19. In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.
4.15. Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
4.18. Measurement owes its existence to Earth; Estimation of quantity to Measurement; Calculation to Estimation of quantity; Balancing of chances to Calculation; and Victory to Balancing of chances.
5.5. In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.
10.31. Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.
Wedge.
11.15. Those who were called skilful leaders of old knew how to drive a wedge between the enemy's front and rear; to prevent co-operation between his large and small divisions; to hinder the good troops from rescuing the bad, the officers from rallying their men.
Wise. 8.7. Hence in the wise leader's plans, considerations of advantage and of disadvantage will be blended together.
13.4. Thus, what enables the wise sovereign and the good general to strike and conquer, and achieve things beyond the reach of ordinary men, is foreknowledge.