Sun Tzu lists six military failures all arising from flawed generalship, including flight, laxity, rout, etc. Uneven troop-officer morale, mutinous officers, loose discipline and poor enemy evaluation all lead to defeat, which commanders must guard against.
Sun Tzu divides battlefields into six terrain types and lays out targeted tactics for each. Generals must seize high ground, guard supply lines and avoid reckless assaults, as mastering terrain rules is their most vital military duty.
This passage stresses army quality beats quantity. Troops should avoid blind charges, focus unified power and analyze foes thoroughly to win. Generals without careful planning who belittle enemies will inevitably be captured.
This chapter outlines five fatal character flaws that ruin generals: reckless bravery, excessive cowardice, hot temper, over obsession with honor, and overly tender compassion. All these weaknesses trigger military catastrophes, so commanders must guard against such extreme dispositions.
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 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.