TACTICS

The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the chance of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive. Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking, a superabundance of strength.

The general who is skilled in defense hides in the most secret recesses of the earth; he who is skilled in attack flashes forth from the topmost heights of heaven. Thus, on the one hand, we have ability to protect ourselves, and on the other hand, to gain a victory that is complete.

To see victory only when it is within the knowledge of the group is not the climax of excellence. Nor is it the climax of excellence if you fight and conquer and then everyone says, “Well Done!” True excellence is to plan secretly, to move with sly, to foil the enemy’s intentions and balk his schemes, so that at last, the day may be won without a single blood shed.

What the ancients called a clear fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease. He wins his battles by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.

Hence, the skillful fighter puts himself into a position that makes defeat impossible and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy. Thus, showing that in war, the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined for defeat fights first and then looks for victory afterwards.

The consummate leader cultivates the Moral Law and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus, it is in his power to control success.

Excerpted From: The Art of War, Sun Tzu

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