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Art Of War Notes

The Art Of War

by Sun-Tzu

1] Whatever is of service to the enemy must be prejudicial to you; whatever is prejudicial to him must be of service to you.

2] He who is most careful to observe the motions and designs of the enemy and takes the most care in drilling an disciplining his army, will be least exposed to danger and will have the most reason to expect success in his undertakings.

3] Never come to an engagement until you have inspired your men with courage and see them in good order and eager to fight, nor hazard a battle until they seem confident of victory.

4] It is better to subdue and enemy by famine than by sword, for in battle, Fortuna has often a much greater share than virtue.

5] No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.

6] Nothing is of greater importance in time of war than knowing how to make the best use of a fair opportunity when it is offered.

7] Few men are brave by nature, but good discipline and experience make many so.

8] Good order and discipline in any army are more to be depended upon than ferocity.

9] If any of the enemy's troops desert him and come over to you, it is a great acquisition- provided they prove faithful' for their loss will be more felt than that of those killed in battle, although deserters will always be suspected by their new friends and odious to their old ones.

10] In drawing up an army in order of battle, it is better to keep a sufficient reserve to support your front line, than to extend it so as to make only one rank, as it were, of your army.

11] If a general knows his own strength and that of the enemy perfectly, he can hardly miscarry.

12] The virtue of your soldiers is of more consequence than their number; sometimes the location of the place is of greater advantage and security than the virtue of your soldiers.

13] Sudden and unexpected accidents often throw and army into confusion, but things that are familiar and have come on gradually are little regarded; therefore, when you have a new enemy to deal with, it is best to accustom you men to their sight as often as you can by slight skirmishes, before you come to a general engagement with them.

14] He whose troops are in disorder while pursuing a routed enemy will most probably lose the advantage he had previously gained and be routed in his turn.

15] Whoever has not taken proper care to furnish himself with a sufficient stock of provisions and ammunition bids fair to be vanquished without striking a stroke.

16] He who is stronger in infantry than cavalry, or in cavalry than infantry, must choose his ground accordingly.

17] If you would know whether you have any spies in your camp during the day, you have nothing more to do than to order every man to his tent.

18] When you are aware that the enemy is acquainted with your designs, you must change them.

19] After you have consulted with many about what you ought to do, confer with very few concerning with what you are actually going to do.

20] While your men are in quarters, you must keep them in good order by fear and punishment; but when they are in the field, by hopes and rewards.

21] Take great care that the enemy may not be apprised of the order in which you design to draw up your arm for battle; make such a disposition that your first line may fall back with ease and convenience into the second, and both into the third.

22] In time of action, be sure not to call off any of your battalions to a service different from what they were destined to do at first, lest you should occasion disorders and confusion in your army.

23] Men, arms, money, and provisions are the sinews of war, but of these four, the first two are most necessary' for men and arms will always find money and provisions, but money and provisions cannot always raise men and arms.