Terrain aids military operations. To assess the enemy, secure victory, and evaluate hazards, distances and routes is the duty of a superior general.
He who masters these will win every battle; he who does not will surely be defeated.
If victory is certain by military judgment, you may fight even if the ruler orders otherwise. If defeat is inevitable, you may refuse to fight even if the ruler commands battle.
Advance not for fame, retreat not to avoid blame. Protect the people and serve the ruler’s interests. Such generals are treasures of the state.
Note
Terrain supports warfare. Top generals judge foes, calculate land risks and distances to win. They may defy royal orders for sure victory or avoid doomed fights, prioritizing people and state over personal fame or blame.
A great military strategist and thinker in ancient China, who lived in the late Spring and Autumn Period. He authored The Art of War, the world’s earliest and most influential military classic. His strategic thoughts have been widely applied in military, politics and management worldwide.
Terrain assistance
Land features act as an important support for warfare.
General’s judgment
Frontline commanders have the right to make independent decisions against improper royal orders.
Noble integrity
A general shall pursue public interests rather than personal glory.
夫地形者，兵之助也。料敵制勝，計險阨遠近，上將之道也。知此而用戰者，必勝；不知此而用戰者必敗。故戰道必勝；主曰：無戰；必戰可也。戰道不勝，主曰必戰，無戰可也。故進不求名，退不避罪，唯民是保，而利于主，國之寶也。
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