Chapter 1 · Laying Plans

Sun Tzu said: The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is governed by five constant factors: the Moral Law, Heaven, Earth, the Commander, and Method and Discipline. All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected. The general who wins a battle makes many calculations beforehand; the general who loses makes few. Thus do many calculations lead to victory.