Chapter 1: Laying Plans - The Art of War - Sun Tzu

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Episode Transcript

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Chapter one, laying plans, Sunsusaid, the art of war is of
vital importance to the state. Itis a matter of life and death,
a road either to safety or toruin. Hence, it is a subject
of inquiry which can on no accountbe neglected. The art of war,

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then, is governed by five constantfactors to be taken into account in one's
deliberations when seeking to determine the conditionsobtaining in the field. These are one
the moral law, two Heaven,three Earth, four the Commander, five

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Method and discipline. The moral lawcauses the people to be in complete accord
with their ruler, so that theywill follow him regardless of their lives,
undismayed by any danger. Heaven signifiesnight and day, cold and heat,
times and seasons. Earth comprises distancesgreat and small, danger and security,

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open ground and narrow passes, thechances of life and death. The commander
stands for the virtues of wisdom,sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness.
By method and discipline are to beunderstood. The marshaling of the army
and its proper subdivisions, the graduationsof rank among the officers, the maintenance

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of roads by which supplies may reachthe army, and the control of military
expenditure. These five heads should befamiliar to every general. He who knows
them will be victorious. He whoknows them not will fail. Therefore,
in your deliberations, when seeking todetermine the military conditions, let them be

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made the basis of a comparison.In this wise, one which of the
two sovereigns is imbued with the morallaw? Two which of the two generals
has most ability? Three with whomlie the advantages derived from Heaven and Earth.
Four On which side is discipline morerigorously enforced, Five which army is

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stronger? Six on which side areofficers and men more highly trained? Seven
in which army is there the greaterconstancy, both in reward and punishment.
By means of these seven considerations,I can forecast victory or defeat. The

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general that hearkens to my counsel andacts upon it will conquer. Let such
a one be retained in command.The general that hearkens not to my counsel
nor acts upon it, will sufferdefeat. Let such a one be dismissed,
while heeding the profit of my counsel. Avail yourself also of any helpful

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circumstances over and beyond the ordinary rules. According as circumstances are favorable, one
should modify one's plans. All warfareis based on deception. Hence, when
able to attack, we must seemunable. When using our forces, we

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must seem inactive. When we arenear, we must make the enemy believe
we are far away. When faraway, we must make him believe we
are near. Hold out bates toentice the enemy feigned disorder, and crush
him. If he is secure atall points, be prepared for him.

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If he is in superior strength,evade him. If your opponent is of
choleric temper, seek to irritate,hate him, Pretend to be weak,
that he may grow arrogant. Ifhe is taking his ease, give him
no rest. If his forces areunited, separate them, Attack him where

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he is unprepared. Appear where youare not expected. These military devices leading
to victory must not be divulged beforehand. Now, the general who wins a
battle makes many calculations in his templeere the battle is fought. The general
who loses a battle makes but fewcalculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead

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to victory, and few calculations todefeat, how much more no calculation at
all. It is by attention tothis point that I can foresee who is
likely to win or lose. Endof Chapter one