The Art of War

The Art of War

Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu said: War is a great matter of the state. It is the ground of life and death, the way of survival and extinction, and must not be left unexamined.

Therefore, measure it by five matters, compare it by calculations, and seek out its true conditions: first is the Way, second is Heaven, third is Earth, fourth is the commander, fifth is method. The Way is that which causes the people to share the same purpose as their ruler; therefore they can die with him, live with him, and not fear danger. Heaven is darkness and light, cold and heat, and the ordering of the seasons. Earth is distance and nearness, danger and ease, breadth and narrowness, death and life. The commander is wisdom, trustworthiness, benevolence, courage, and strictness. Method is organization, official ranks, and the management of supplies. In all these five things, no commander has not heard of them; he who knows them wins, he who does not know them does not win. Therefore compare them by calculations and seek out their true conditions, saying: Which ruler possesses the Way? Which commander has ability? Which side has the advantage of Heaven and Earth? On which side are laws and orders carried out? Which army is stronger? Which officers and soldiers are better trained? On which side are rewards and punishments clearer? By these things I know victory and defeat. If the general listens to my calculations and uses them, he will surely win; keep him. If the general does not listen to my calculations and uses them not, he will surely be defeated; dismiss him.