The Book of War: The Military Classic of the Far East / The Articles of Suntzu; The Sayings of Wutzu

of Sun t

e army death or life depend: it is the means

must be dilig

indispensable matters. The first is called The Way;[1] the second

thority be upright, the people are united: fearless of

ng;[2] heat and co

nature; extent; s

e; truth; benevolence;

on and order

eader: to know them is to conquer;

llowing seven matters, the condition of

en matt

ntages; the discipline of the armies; the strength of the soldiers

ings, I can fore

s conquers, and I continue to employ him; if he differ from

the generals agreeing, we create a situation which promises victory; but as the moment a

ction, we pretend disability; when near to the enemy, we

Pretend to be strong, and so cause the enemy to avoid you. Make him angry, and confuse his plans. Pretend to be inferior, and cause him to despise

essful strategist, therefore they

excels in the foregoing matters. They that have many of these will conquer; t

ith regard to these matters be k