Chapter 3: Attack by Stratagem
Sun Tzu said:
In warfare, preserving the enemy state intact is best; destroying it is secondary. Preserving an enemy army is best; destroying it is secondary. Preserving a battalion, company, or squad is best; destroying them is secondary.
Thus, winning a hundred battles is not the pinnacle of skill. Subduing the enemy without fighting is the ultimate excellence.
The best strategy is to attack the enemy’s plans, next to disrupt their alliances, then to engage their army, and the worst is to besiege their cities. Sieging is a last resort.
Building siege equipment and preparing for an assault takes three months, and scaling walls another three. If a general, unable to control his frustration, orders a reckless assault, he loses a third of his troops without taking the city—a disaster in siege warfare.
Thus, a skilled general subdues the enemy without battle, captures cities without assault, and destroys states without prolonged campaigns.
The goal is to contend for supremacy intact, preserving both forces and benefits. This is the method of strategic attack.
In warfare: Surround when ten times stronger, attack when five times stronger, divide when twice as strong. If equal, fight if possible; if fewer, evade; if weaker, avoid.
A small force’s stubbornness leads to its capture by a larger one.
The general is the state’s support. A capable general strengthens the state; a flawed one weakens it.
Three ways a ruler harms the army:
- Ordering advance or retreat when inappropriate, shackling the army.
- Meddling in military affairs without understanding them, confusing the troops.
- Interfering in military appointments without understanding their authority, sowing doubt.
When the army is confused and doubtful, neighboring states exploit the chaos, leading to defeat.
Five ways to foresee victory: - Knowing when to fight and when not to.
- Understanding how to use forces, large or small.
- Uniting ruler and troops in shared purpose.
- Being prepared to face an unprepared enemy.
- Having capable generals free from ruler interference.
These are the paths to victory.
Thus: Know the enemy and yourself, and you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles. Know yourself but not the enemy, and you win half the time. Know neither, and every battle brings defeat.
發佈留言