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 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 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 passage introduces four ways to probe enemy intelligence: analyzing schemes, provoking movements, feigning deployments and small skirmishes. The supreme stratagem is invisible troop formations, hiding all plans and flexibly adapting tactics to endless shifting battlefield conditions.