The ancient masters of warfare could split the enemy army: their vanguard and rearguard could not support each other, large and small units could not rely on one another, officers and soldiers could not come to the rescue, and superiors and subordinates lost coordination. Troops scattered could not regroup, and gathered ranks remained disorderly.
Act when it serves your interest; hold back when it does not.
Question: The enemy comes in great numbers and perfect formation. How to resist them?
Answer: Seize what they cherish most first, and they will fall under your control. Speed is the essence of war. Strike before they are ready, take unexpected routes, and attack their unguarded positions.
Note
Skilled generals split enemy forces to break their coordination. Act only when beneficial. Against organized large foes, seize their critical assets first, launching swift surprise assaults on unprepared routes and vulnerable spots.
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.
Disintegrate the enemy
Destroy an army’s connection and teamwork.
Seize vital targets
Strike the enemy’s core interests to gain dominance.
Speed and surprise
Core principles for sudden raids.
古之所謂善用兵者，能使敵人前後不相及，眾寡不相恃，貴賤不相救，上下不相收，卒離而不集，兵合而不齊。合于利而動，不合于利而止。敢問：「敵眾整而將來，待之若何？」曰：「先奪其所愛，則聽矣；兵之情主速，乘人之不及，由不虞之道，攻其所不戒也。」
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