Art of War Chapter – 13.5

In ancient times, the Yin Dynasty rose because Yi Zhi had served in the Xia Dynasty. The Zhou Dynasty prospered because Lü Ya had held office in the Yin Dynasty.

Therefore, wise rulers and able generals who employ men of supreme wisdom as spies shall achieve great success. This is the essence of warfare, and the foundation upon which the entire army acts.

Note

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.

Sun Tzu (Sun Wu)

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.

Wise spies

Use high-caliber talents to obtain core intelligence.

Foundation of warfare

Intelligence decides all military operations.

昔殷之興也，伊摯在夏。周之興也，呂牙在殷。故明君賢將，能以上智為間者，必成大功，此兵之要，三軍之所恃而動也。