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Use Information to Focus Resources |
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Now, the elements of the art of war are first, the measurement of space; second, the estimation of quantities; third, the calculation of figures; fourth, comparisons of strength and fifth, chances of victory.* |
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Measurements of space are derived from the ground. Quantities derive from measurement, figures from quantities, comparisons from figures and victory from comparisons. |
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Therefore, a victorious army is as one yi balanced against a grain, and a defeated army is as a grain balanced against one yi. |
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An army superior in strength takes action like the bursting of pent-up waters into a chasm of a thousand fathoms deep. This is what the disposition of military strength means in the actions of war. |
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Other translators clarify: |
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*The art of war may be summarized into five steps:
First, survey of terrain features;
Second, decision of the plan of campaign;
Third, calculation of man-power;
Fourth, weighing of chances;
Fifth, deliberation on victory. Tai Mien-leng |
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*According to The Art of War, there are five processes of preparation: |
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1. |
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to control, |
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2. |
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to produce, |
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3. |
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to compare, |
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5. |
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to win. |
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Tang Zi-chang |
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