The Art of War
Chapter titles from Chow-Hou Wee (2003)
Chapter I · Detail Assessment and Planning
- 兵者，詭道也。故能而示之不能，用而示之不用，近而示之遠，遠而示之近，
- All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
- Variant translations
- A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.
- 實而備之，強而避之，怒而撓之，卑而驕之，佚而勞之，親而離之，出其不意，攻其不備。
- If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
- Note: “If his forces are united, separate them” is also interpreted: “If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them.”
- 亂而取之
- Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
- 卑則驕之
- Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance
It’s not a long read but well worth it if you’ve never taken the time. Just read the bold sections.
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Thanks for this IS, I’d been meaning to look it up and forgot. I read somewhere that the mentally deficient, non-reading President Crazy loves this book. It sure looks like The Art of War is playing out in Real Life.
“The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities… It is best to win without fighting.”
Congressmen and senators resigning, not seeking re-election? FBI agents dismissed from Russia probe? Lindsey Graham becoming Trump’s BFF?
“The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.”
Self explanatory. #MAGA
“Bestow rewards without respect to customary practice; publish orders without respect to precedent. Thus you may employ the entire army as you would one man.”
President Crazy doesn’t do anything conventional.
“It is essential to seek out enemy agents who have come to conduct espionage against you and to bribe them to serve you. Give them instructions and care for them. Thus doubled agents are recruited and used.”
Mueller? Rosenstein? Pence? Ryan? McConnell?
“Of all those in the army close to the commander none is more intimate than the secret agent; of all rewards none more liberal than those given to secret agents; of all matters none is more confidential than those relating to secret operations.
Sessions? Flynn? Bannon? Wolff?
The Art of the Deal, The Art of War
Coincidence?
Thanks for the link to this downloadable version IS.
My own printed copy which I re-read each year is getting a bit worn.
The advice within it is adaptable to many things in every day life.
It’s a good read.
Steve C.
Thanks IS,
You are a full-time smartie these days.
We love that.