谋攻篇

Sun Tzu said: In general, the method of employing the military is this: to take the enemy's state whole and intact is best; to wreck it is inferior. To take the enemy's army whole and intact is best; to destroy it is inferior. To take the enemy's brigade whole and intact is best; to shatter it is inferior. To take the enemy's company whole and intact is best; to crush it is inferior. To take the enemy's squad whole and intact is best; to annihilate it is inferior.

Thus the highest realization of warfare is to attack the enemy's plans; next is to attack their alliances; next to attack their army; and the lowest is to attack their fortified cities. Attacking cities is done only as a last resort. Building large shields, covered assault wagons, and preparing the various siege equipment requires three months. Constructing earthen ramps against the walls requires another three months. If the general, unable to control his fury, sends his men swarming up the walls like ants, a third of them will be killed, yet the city will not be taken — such are the calamities of siege warfare.

Therefore, one skilled in warfare subdues the enemy's army without battle, captures the enemy's cities without assault, and destroys the enemy's state without prolonged operations. He must always aim for total victory under Heaven. Thus his forces are not worn out, yet the gains are complete — this is the method of attack by stratagem.

Thus the method of employing the military: if ten times the enemy, surround them; if five times, attack them; if twice, divide them; if equal, you may engage them; if fewer, you can withdraw from them; if weaker, you can avoid them. Therefore, a small force that is stubborn will be captured by a larger one.

The general is the bulwark of the state. If the bulwark is complete, the state will certainly be strong; if the bulwark is defective, the state will certainly be weak. There are three ways in which a ruler can bring misfortune upon his army: ordering the army to advance when it should not, or to retreat when it should not — this is called "hobbling the army." Interfering in the army's administration without understanding its affairs — this causes the officers to be bewildered. Interfering in the army's command without understanding its tactics — this causes the officers to be doubtful. When the army is both bewildered and doubtful, the neighboring rulers will seize the opportunity to cause trouble. This is called "throwing the army into chaos and forfeiting victory."