Skilled warriors first secure their own invincibility and wait for enemies’ weaknesses. Being unbeatable depends on oneself, while defeating foes relies on their flaws. Victory can be predicted, yet it cannot be forced to happen.
Sun Tzu puts forward five rules to predict victory: judging battle timing, deploying troops properly, uniting all ranks, staying fully prepared and letting capable generals command freely without royal interference.
Sun Tzu states preserving the enemy’s state and troops intact is ideal in warfare. Winning every battle is not perfect. The ultimate mastery lies in subduing the enemy completely without engaging in combat.
This excerpt from The Art of War features Sun Tzu’s core viewpoint. He stresses war is crucial to a state, concerning people’s lives and national survival. Thus, leaders must deliberate thoroughly before waging any war.
Sun Tzu puts forward five key elements to assess warfare: morality, heaven, earth, commandership and discipline. Leaders should compare both sides’ strengths based on these factors to fully analyze the real situation before battles.
Duke Huan of Qi was one of the most famous overlords in China’s Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC). He became the ruler of the State of Qi at a young age. He was open‑minded and willing to accept good advice. He appointed a wise prime minister named Guan Zhong and trusted him fully.…
Confucius said, “When the hidden virtuous are elevated, the hearts of all people under heaven turn to them.” Mr. Hongya established lofty principles in the age of the Sovereigns of High Antiquity; Xu You and Shan Juan did not lower their integrity during the reigns of Tang and Yu. Therefore, the I Ching contains…