This passage from The Art of War emphasizes proactive defense. Never hope the enemy will stay away or refrain from attacking; instead, fully prepare your troops and fortify positions to make your camp unassailable against any incoming assaults.
This section from The Art of War stresses wise planners balance both benefits and risks to secure plans and resolve troubles. It lists three diplomatic tactics: pressure rivals with threats, burden them with chores, and lure them into action with tempting gains.
This excerpt lays out flexible combat rules: avoid foes with neat banners and orderly formations. It lists eight core taboos, such as not charging uphill, chasing fake retreats or cornered enemies, and leaving an escape gap for surrounded troops to prevent desperate counterattacks.
This passage covers three core military skills: managing morale by evading enemy peak spirit and striking their weary stage; stabilizing minds with calm against chaos; preserving strength by meeting distant, tired, hungry foes with nearby, rested, well-fed troops.
This passage warns against reckless forced marches: rushing ahead loses supplies, while full baggage slows troops. Longer rapid marches cause severe troop attrition. It stresses armies need supplies, plus knowing allies, terrain and guides for safe movement.
This excerpt from Chapter 7 of The Art of War argues contending for battlefield advantage is warfare’s hardest task. The core skill is treating roundabout routes as direct paths and drawbacks as gains, luring foes with bait to arrive first. Sun Tzu also warns military maneuver carries both benefits and severe risks.