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Attain Strategic Superiority |
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To foresee a victory no better than ordinary people's foresight is not the acme of excellence. Neither is it the acme of excellence if you win a victory through fierce fighting and the whole empire says, 'Well done!' Hence, by analogy, to lift an autumn hair [hare] does not signify great strength; to see the sun and moon does not signify good sight; to hear the thunderclap does not signify acute hearing. |
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In ancient times, those called skilled in war conquered an enemy easily conquered. Consequently, a master of war wins victories without showing his brilliant military success, and without gaining the reputation for wisdom or the merit for valor. He wins his victories without making mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means that he conquers an enemy already defeated. |
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Accordingly, a wise commander always ensures that his forces are put in an invincible position, and at the same time will be sure to miss no opportunity to defeat the enemy. It follows that a triumphant army will not fight with the enemy until the victory is assured, while an army destined to defeat will always fight with the opponent first, in the hope that it may win by sheer good luck.* The commander adept in war enhances the moral influence and adheres to the laws and regulations. Thus it is in his power to control success. |
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Another translator emphasizes the importance of strategic planning: |
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*Thus, a victorious army wins its victories before seeking battle; an army destined to defeat fights in the hope of winning.
Samuel B. Griffith |
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*So we see, the victorious person creates the conditions for certain victory and then does battle with the enemy. The defeated person always engages the enemy first, then hopes he is lucky enough to win.
Brian Bruya |
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