SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Art of War – Chapter 3.5

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    Juan

    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 – 13.5

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    Juan

    Drawing on ancient examples, Sun Tzu states that recruiting highly intelligent insiders as spies secures remarkable feats. Intelligence work is the core of warfare, the fundamental basis for all military maneuvers.

  • Art of War – Chapter 3.4

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    Juan

    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

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    Juan

    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

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    Juan

    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)

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    Ana

    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.