When invading enemy territory, the deeper you march, the more united your troops become, and the defenders cannot prevail. Gather provisions from fertile lands to feed the army well. Nurture your men and avoid fatigue, build up morale and strength. Maneuver and scheme so your moves cannot be fathomed.
Drive the army into a position with no escape, and they will fight to the death rather than retreat. With no way back, every soldier will give their utmost. Trapped deeply, they know no fear; cornered, their ranks hold firm; deep in hostile land, they stay focused; forced to fight, they battle bravely.
Such troops stay vigilant without drilling, fulfill duties without urging, bond closely without rules, and keep faith without orders. Ban superstitions and doubts, and they will remain loyal till death.
Soldiers abandon wealth not out of hatred for goods, and risk lives not out of disdain for longevity. When orders are issued, tears stream down their faces. Yet once trapped with no retreat, they become as valiant as legendary warriors, like Zhuan Zhu and Cao Gui.
Note
Troops grow united when marching deep into enemy lands. Cut off retreat to stir desperate bravery. Sustain soldiers, hide stratagems, ban doubts and superstitions; trapped troops will fight fearlessly without strict commands.
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.
Fight with no retreat
Utilize desperate situations to arouse fighting will.
Unity in peril
Hardship and isolation solidify troop loyalty and focus.
Stabilize morale
Eliminate doubts and superstitions to keep the army united.
凡為客之道，深入則專，主人不克，掠于饒野，三軍足食，謹養而無勞，併氣積力，運兵計謀，為不可測，投之無所往，死且不北，死焉不得，士人盡力。兵士甚陷則不懼，無所往則固，深入則拘，不得已則鬥。是故，其兵不修而戒，不求而得，不約而親，不令而信，禁祥去疑，至死無所之。吾士無餘財，非惡貨也；無餘命，非惡壽也。令發之日，士卒坐者涕沾襟，偃臥者涕交頤，投之無所往，則諸劌之勇也。
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