• Art of War – Chapter 3.5

    Sun Tzu puts forward five rules to predict victory: judging battle timing, deploying troops properly, uniting all ranks, staying fully prepared and letting capable generals command freely without royal interference.

  • Art of War – Chapter 3.4

    Generals are vital to a state. Rulers may ruin the army by wrongly ordering advances or retreats, interfering in military affairs and commands. Confused troops will invite enemy attacks and lead to defeat.

  • Art of War – Chapter 3.3

    Skilled warriors win full victories with minimal losses via strategies instead of direct fights. Sun Tzu also offers clear tactics: surround, assault, divide, fight, defend or flee based on troop strength, warning weak forces against stubborn resistance.

  • Art of War – Chapter 3.2

    Sun Tzu ranks warfare tactics: defeating enemies’ strategies tops the list, followed by breaking alliances and field battles. Sieging cities is the worst choice, for it costs massive time, manpower and causes heavy troop losses.

  • Zhé Chōng Zūn Zǔ (折冲樽俎)

    Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 折冲樽俎Pinyin: zhé chōng zūn zǔLiteral Meaning: Defeat enemy assault chariots over wine vessels and ritual utensils.Figurative Meaning: Defeat opponents and gain victory through diplomatic negotiations, instead of resorting to warfare.

  • Tù Sǐ Gǒu Pēng (兔死狗烹)

    Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 兔死狗烹Pinyin: tù sǐ gǒu pēngLiteral Meaning: After all hares are hunted down, the hunting hounds are boiled and eaten.Figurative Meaning: Once a goal is accomplished, those who were used to achieve it are abandoned or even eliminated. It mainly refers to persecuting loyal and meritorious people. Cultural Background This idiom…