This article interprets Sun Tzu’s view on strategists choosing lords. It highlights their independent spirit to pick wise rulers or leave incompetent ones, citing ancient figures. It also reflects the scholar-strategists’ philosophy of mutual selection in the Spring and Autumn Period.
In battles, use direct troops to engage foes and surprise forces to win victories. Direct and surprise tactics transform endlessly, just like musical notes, colors and flavors, creating boundless and unpredictable combat strategies.
Skilled generals govern well and enforce military laws to control victory. Sun Tzu puts forward five linked factors deciding war outcomes. A winning army holds overwhelming strength and strikes with irresistible momentum.
Ordinary victories are not truly excellent. Elite warriors defeat already vulnerable foes without gaining fame. They secure an unbeatable position first. Victorious armies plan for wins before fighting, while defeated ones battle blindly for luck.
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.