Victories without consolidation bring ruin. Rulers and generals must wage war only for tangible gains, never out of rage. Anger fades, but ruined states and lost lives cannot be recovered; prudence safeguards the nation and army.
Han Fei cites history: brute force fails without wisdom. Qin has unmatched strength; he risks death to offer strategies to break alliances and unify China.
The Master said, “If a person has no long-term considerations, he will surely encounter immediate worries.”
The Master said, “Do not anticipate deceit, nor assume dishonesty in advance. Yet if one can discern it beforehand, such a person is indeed wise!”