Thread by @Sunni_Tzu

The Art of War is of vital importance to the State.

It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.

#SunTzu

The Art of War, then, is governed by five constant factors, to be taken into account in one's deliberations, when seeking to determine the conditions obtaining in the field.

These are: (1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline.

#SunTzu

The MORAL LAW causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger.

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HEAVEN signifies night and day, cold and heat, times and seasons.

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EARTH comprises distances, great and small; danger and security; open ground and narrow passes; the chances of life and death.

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The COMMANDER stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage and strictness.

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METHOD AND DISCIPLINE are paramount in the marshaling of forces, effective communications throughout the chain of command, logistics, and the expenditure of military funds.

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These five traits should be familiar to every general: those who understand each will be victorious; those who do not understand will ultimately fail.

#SunTzu

Therefore, in your deliberations, when seeking to determine the proper strategic outcome, let your decision be guided through the basis of a comparison, by answering the proper questions.

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1. Which of the two opposing armies is imbued with the Moral law?

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2. Which of the two opposing Generals has the most ability?

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3. With whom lie the advantages derived from Heaven and Earth? 

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4. On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced?
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5. Which army is stronger?

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6. On which side are officers and soldiers more highly trained?

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7. What army possesses a greater consistency, as it applies to both reward and punishment?

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By means of these seven considerations, I can forecast victory or defeat.

#SunTzu

While heeding the benefit of my counsel, avail yourself also of any helpful circumstances over and beyond the ordinary rules. According as circumstances are favorable, one should modify one's plans.

#SunTzu

All warfare is based on deception.

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If able, appear unable; if active, appear inactive; if near, appear far; if far, appear near.

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If your enemies have advantage, bait them; if confused, capture them; if they are numerous, prepare for them; if strong, avoid them; if angry, disturb them; if they are humble, make them haughty; if they are relaxed, toil them; if they are united, separate them.

#SunTzu

Attack where your enemies are not prepared; go to where they do not expect.This strategy leads to victory in warfare, so do not let the enemy see it.

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Before doing battle, one calculates in the temple and will win, because many calculations were made; before doing battle, one calculates in the temple but will lose, because few calculations were made.

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Many calculations mean victory; few calculations mean no victory; then how much worse when there are no calculations? From this perspective I can clearly predict victory or defeat.

#SunTzu