Sun Tzu said: Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards. Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack. The five elements (water, fire, wood, metal, earth) are not always equally predominant; the four seasons make way for each other in turn. Sun Tzu said: Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted. Therefore, the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him. There are short days and long; the moon has its periods of waning and waxing. Sun Tzu said: He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven- born captain. By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord; or, by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near. Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing. Sun Tzu said: If the enemy is taking his ease, he can harass him; if well supplied with food, he can starve him out; if quietly encamped, he can force him to move.

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SUMMARY Art of War Chapter 6 Many strategists use this book as user manual which explains various ... View the full answer