Chapter 1 Laying Plans- Deception and Perception

“18. All warfare is based on deception.
19. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem 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.
20. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
21. If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.
22. If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.
23. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.
24. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
25. These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.
26. Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.”
Sun Tzu, Master Sun
Art of War
Quoted in The Art of War, Translated by Lionel Giles, Offered by The Project Gutenberg eBook

a cat that is about to pounce

All business is based on deception
Opportunities arise from enemy’s false perception

If the enemy is secure, prepare
If the enemy is strong, evade
If the enemy is short temper, irritate
If the enemy is arrogant, bait
If the enemy is at ease, disturb
If the enemy is united, separate

Attack the unprepared
Appear unexpected

Secrecy on plans leading to victory
Calculations, planning and research create invincibility

4 Comments

  1. Posted September 23, 2007 at 8:53 am | Permalink

    I love the cat’s pic. Looks like about to jump on her prey! :)

  2. Posted September 23, 2007 at 11:38 am | Permalink

    Yea. It kind of goes well with the article in a way.

  3. Posted September 23, 2007 at 8:08 pm | Permalink

    Confusion works well too. :)

  4. gary
    Posted November 17, 2008 at 11:55 pm | Permalink

    the best way to win a war is not to deceive anyone . kindly let them know that they and all of their friends and country men will die .their county will be barren for 120 years.not even a dog will live there. so dont start any trouble.

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