Pass quickly over mountains, linger in valleys. Stay in high reaches, facing the sun. All armies prefer high ground to low and sunny places to dark.
After crossing rivers, get far away from them. Do not meet a foe mid-stream but wait until half of the forces have crossed, then deliver the attack.
When the enemy is close by and remains quiet, he is relying on the natural strength of his position. When he tries to provoke battle, he is anxious for the other side to advance. If his location is easy to access, he is laying a trap.
Humble words and increased activity are signs the enemy will advance. Violent language and forward movement are signs he will retreat. Such is the art of artifice.
Those who do not take their opponent seriously are sure to be defeated.
If forces are punished before they have become attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and unless submissive they will be useless. If when forces have become attached to you, punishment is not enforced, they will still be useless.
Therefore soldiers must be treated first with humanity, but kept under control by means of iron discipline. This is a certain road to victory.
No related posts.