第 4 章 军形篇

Sunzi said, ancient people who knew how to fight always first made themselves strong and would not be defeated by the enemy.

Then, they waited for the enemy to show weaknesses before defeating the enemy.

To avoid being defeated by the enemy, this relies on one's own efforts.

Being able to defeat the enemy is because the enemy themselves made mistakes.

Therefore, people who know how to fight can ensure they are not defeated by the enemy, but cannot guarantee they will definitely defeat the enemy.

Victory can be anticipated in advance, but cannot be forced.

When oneself is very strong, one can defend.

When the enemy shows weaknesses, one can attack.

Defense relies on one's own strong power.

Attack should target the enemy's weaknesses, so that one can win with a single strike.

Those who are good at defense are like hiding underground, making the enemy unable to see them.

Those who are good at offense are like suddenly descending from the sky, making the enemy have no time to prepare.

In this way, they can both protect themselves well and achieve complete victory.

If a victory that one foresees can also be thought of by others, that is not the smartest.

Winning only after intense battles, with everyone praising it, that is also not the best.

Ancient people who knew how to fight always went to defeat those enemies who were easy to defeat.

Therefore, their victories have neither the reputation of wisdom nor the merit of bravery.

They do not make mistakes in fighting because their actions are sure to win.

They go to defeat those enemies who are already in a position of defeat.

People who know how to fight always first place themselves in an invincible position.

At the same time, they do not miss any opportunity to defeat the enemy.

Therefore, a victorious army first has the conditions for certain victory, and then goes to war.

A defeated army first engages the enemy in battle, and then hopes to win by luck in the fight.

Those who know how to fight always pay attention to good politics, ensuring the army has strict discipline.

Thus, they can control the outcome of the war.

In using troops for war, five things must be noted: first, the size of the land; second, the amount of supplies; third, the number and combat effectiveness of soldiers; fourth, the comparison of both sides' strengths; fifth, the possibility of victory or defeat.

The size of the land determines the amount of supplies.

The amount of supplies determines the number and quality of soldiers.

The number and quality of soldiers determine the combat effectiveness of the troops.

The combat effectiveness of the troops determines the possibility of victory or defeat.

Therefore, a victorious army is like using a heavy object to strike a light one, using powerful strength to overcome a weak enemy.

A defeated army is like using a light object to strike a heavy one, using weak strength to confront a powerful enemy.

A wise person commanding an army in battle is like opening the accumulated water on a very high mountain.

The water rushes down all at once, with very great force.

This is powerful military strength.