He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.
To Subdue an enemy without fighting is the greatest of skills
He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.
The art of using troops is this: ......When ten to the enemy's one, surround him; ......When five times his strength, attack him; ......If double his strength, divide him; ......If equally matched you may engage him; ......If weaker numerically, be capable of withdrawing; ......And if in all respects unequal, be capable of eluding him, ..........for a small force is but booty for one more powerful.
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.
He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.
Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.
To a surrounded enemy, you must leave a way of escape.
Go into emptiness, strike voids, bypass what he defends hit him where he does not expect you.
Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.
We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country.
All warfare is based on deception. 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.
For the wise man delights in establishing his merit, the brave man likes to show his courage in action, the covetous man is quick at seizing advantages, and the stupid man has no fear of death.
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.
Winning isn't enough. The acme of all skill is to defeat your enemy before taking the field.
Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.
If the enemy opens the door, you must race in.
There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over.
When your opponent gives you an opening, be swift as a hare.
Attack where he is unprepared; sally forth when he does not expect you.
When one treats people with benevolence, justice and righteousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders.
Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge.
Probe him and learn where his strength is abundant and where deficient.
Keep their friends close and their enemies closer.
When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.
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