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Even though we show people the victory gained by using flexible tactics in conformity to the changing situations, they do not comprehend this.* People all know the tactics by which we achieved victory, but they do not know how the tactics were applied in the situation to defeat the enemy. Hence no one victory is gained in the same manner as another. The tactics change in an infinite variety of ways to suit changes in the circumstances. |
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Now, the laws of military operations are like water. The tendency of water is to flow from heights to lowlands. The law of successful operations is to avoid the enemy's strength and strike his weakness. Water changes its course in accordance with the contours of the land. The soldier works out his victory in accordance with the situation of the enemy. |
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Hence, there are neither fixed postures nor constant tactics in warfare. He who can modify his tactics in accordance with the enemy situation and thereby succeeds in winning may be said to be divine. Of the five elements, none is ever predominant; of the four seasons, none lasts forever; of the days, some are longer and others shorter, and of the moon, it sometimes waxes and sometimes wanes. |
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Other translators give their interpretations of the need for flexibility: |
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*Perfectness of military movement lies in variation; it is beyond the prying of subtle spies and the machinations of wise brains.
Tai Mien-leng |
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*Victory is won by flexibly coping with circumstances. If you lay this fact before the people, they will find it hard to comprehend.
Zhang Huimin |
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