< previous page	page_128	next page >
Page 128 Establish an Active Intelligence System Sun Tzu continues: Now, the reason that the enlightened sovereign and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is that they have foreknowledge. This 'foreknowledge' cannot be elicited from spirits, nor from gods, nor by analogy with past events, nor by any deductive calculations. It must be obtained from the men who know the enemy situation. Hence, the use of spies, of whom there are five sorts: native spies, internal spies, converted spies, doomed spies, and surviving spies. When all these five sorts of spies are at work and none knows their method of operation, it would be divinely intricate and constitutes the greatest treasure of a sovereign. Native spies are those we employ from the enemy's country people. Internal spies are enemy officials whom we employ. Converted spies are enemy spies whom we employ. Doomed spies are those of our own spies who are deliberately given false information and told to report it. Surviving spies are those who return from the enemy camp to report information. Hence, of all those in the army close to the commander, none is more intimate than the spies; of all rewards, none more liberal than those given to spies; of all matters, none is more confidential than those relating to spying operations. He who is not sage cannot use spies. He who is not humane and generous cannot use spies. And he who is not delicate and subtle cannot get the truth out of them. Delicate indeed! Truly delicate!* Another translator identifies the need for the manager's wisdom in conducting research and intelligence activities: *No one but a sage can utilize espionage; except with humanity, one cannot deploy agents; except with thorough observation, one cannot gain truth from agents. Observe! Observe! J. H. Huang
< previous page	page_128	next page >