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VOLUME TWO
Tactical Variables
Top. Part 50. Part 51. Part 52. Part 53. Part 54
Part 50
Sun Tzu said: In military operations, the general
receives his commands from the sovereign, then he
assembles soldiers to form units. In leading his troops, do
not encamp or station where it is difficult for the army to
pass through; ally with the local princes where the highway
extends in all directions; do not linger where it is
uninhabitable; venture into an enclosed region with
shrewdness and stratagem; fight a desperate battle where
there is no way to advance or retreat. There are some
roads which should not be followed; some enemy troops
which should not be attacked. There are some cities which
should not be captured, some territories which should not
be seized, and some orders from the sovereign which need
not be obeyed.
Part 51
All the above are the tactical variables which a general or commander should thoroughly understand. Only if
he knows them well can he know military operations. If he
does not have a clear understanding of their real values,
he cannot use a territory to his advantage though he is
well acquainted with its topography. If a general docs not
know the tactical variables, he will not be able to bring the
soldiers' fighting capacity into play, in spite of his knowing
the five advantages*.
*five advantages: "There are some roads which should not be
followed; ... and some orders from the sovereign which need not be
obeyed."
Part 52
A wise general must give his consideration to both
favourable factors and unfavourable factors. He should
take full account of the unfavourable factors when he
finds himself in a favourable position. Only then can he
succeed in his plans. He should take full account of the
favourable conditions while in an unfavourable position.
Only then can he resolve the difficulties.
If you want to subdue the hostile princes, threaten
them with what they fear most; if you want to make them
do what you desire, trouble them with busy work; if you
want to lead the enemy by the nose, give them small
advantages.
Part 53
In military operations, the following is a useful rule.
Never rely on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming,
but on your own readiness to meet him. Do not expect
that the enemy may not launch an attack, but count on the
fact that you have made yourself invincible.
Part 54
There are five fatal weaknesses of a general. He who
is brave but not resourceful and only knows how to put up
a desperate fight will easily be killed; he who is cowardly
on the eve of a battle will easily be captured; he who is
quick-tempered will easily be provoked into rash moves;
he who has too delicate a sense of honour is liable to be
shamed and driven to reckless action; he who is too benevolent and loves his people is liable to become hesitant
and passive.
These five fatal weaknesses are all the general's
faults which will be ruinous to military operations. The destruction of the whole army and the slaughter of the
commanders are the inevitable results of these five fatal
weaknesses. Therefore generals must not treat them
lightly.
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