孙武 Sunwu

孙武（约公元前535年 - ？），字长卿。后人尊称其为孙子、孙武子、兵圣、百世兵家之师、东方兵学的鼻祖。中国古代著名军事家。
生平

[编辑] 早年
孙武是春秋末年齐国千乘（后设乐安县，今山东惠民县，新中国成立后有人曲解为广饶县，其实是谬误，盖因当时广饶县属惠民地区——今滨州市所辖，也是后来孙武故里之争的由来，现在学界已有定论）人。齐国贵族、将门之后，孙凭之子，孙书之孙。孙武年轻时得以阅读古代军事典籍《军政》，了解黄帝战胜四帝的作战经验以及古代名相伊尹、姜尚、管仲的用兵策略。约公元前517年，孙武因不堪齐国攻争频仍，于是离开故乡千乘，南下吴国，并在吴国结识了因避难而来的伍子胥，自此成为莫逆之交。

[编辑] 著书立说
孙武到达吴国后，便隐居于吴国都城姑苏城郊的穹窿山，以务农为乐，并在此时著成了旷世巨著《孙子兵法》。《孙子兵法》被尊为世界第一兵书、兵学圣典、兵学经典之首，被定为武学的教范。

[编辑] 渐露头角
公元前515年，吴王阖闾即位，孙武意识到他是有为之君，因此便在公元前512年请伍子胥引荐，献上其所著孙子兵法十三篇。吴王阖闾阅后大为赏识，但却因为孙武只是一介草民，对其能力半信半疑，因此便要孙武即场展现其练兵之法给他看，以确定孙武的才能。

[编辑] 训练军队
《史记．孙子吴起列传》中记载，吴王故意考验孙武，挑选了180名宫女接受孙武训练，并由两名爱妃负责卒长之职。刚开始，纵使孙武“三令五申”重复表明会执行军法，众宫女皆不理孙武的号令，于是孙武便将作为卒长的两名吴王爱妃斩首，即使吴王阻止亦不理会。于是众宫女即时变得严肃起来，对军令绝对依从。吴王看到了孙武斩杀自己的爱妃非常生气，但又知道他是在立军威，所以，认为牺牲两名爱妃换取一位奇才是绝对值得的，因此便拜孙武为上将军《三军（左、中、右军）最高统帅》。

[编辑] 大破楚军
公元前512年，孙武刚任将军便帮助吴王消灭楚国的两个保护国钟吾国及徐国，吴王想乘胜进攻楚国，但孙武制止，认为吴军已疲惫，不宜再战，于是吴王引兵回国，由此可看出孙武的冷静思考。不久，伍子胥提出“疲楚误楚”之略，轮番骚扰楚国达六年，使楚军认为吴国只敢骚扰，不敢进攻，放松了警惕。
公元前506年，楚国进犯吴国的保护国蔡国，蔡国求救于吴，唐国也愤怒于楚国的蛮横，帮助吴国进攻楚国。吴王倾国之力，阖闾亲率其弟夫概、伍子胥、孙武和伯嚭等统率3万吴军奇袭楚国。孙武认为兵贵神速，所以率领3500精兵采取迂回战略，避实击虚，在蔡、唐两国协助下，夺下了楚国北部三个险隘，进抵汉水东岸。
此时楚昭王大惊，派出囊瓦、沈尹戍等人率兵抵抗吴军。沈尹戍建议主将囊瓦率主力拖延吴军，自己率兵往方城迂回至吴军侧后，截其退路，封锁三个险隘，再前后夹击吴军，消灭他们，本来这条计策可以成功打败吴军，拯救危急的楚国，但囊瓦受到部下挑拨怂恿，贪功下在沈尹戍往方城后改变策略，渡过汉水，不等沈尹戍包抄吴军侧后，就发动攻击。孙武见其渡过汉水攻击，佯装后退，退到大别山，楚军在吴军后退时连战数场，皆败，楚军士气不断下降，疲惫不堪。
孙武见楚军陷于被动，于柏举与楚军决战，阖闾之弟夫概进谏:“囊瓦不受楚人支持，楚军必不愿死战到底，不如先以小部队进攻，使楚军溃乱，再投入主力攻击，必定大胜。”但阖闾谨慎，不敢用此计，夫概就私下领五千士兵进攻楚军，楚军果然溃乱，阖闾就投入主力攻击，楚军溃败，囊瓦逃奔郑国。吴军发动战略追击，于柏举西南的清发水重创楚军残部。再追，于雍澨再大破囊瓦军残部。吴军再与由息与回救的沈尹戍部队交战，激烈战斗后楚军大败，沈尹戍伤重而死。其后吴楚于麦城之战再大败楚军，至此吴军五战五胜，成功消灭楚国，吴军于柏举之战十日后攻陷郢都。吴军攻陷郢都后屠城，楚国军民死伤十万以上，楚昭王逃奔至随国。孙武以3万吴军大败20万楚军，攻灭了强楚，于是一战成名，震惊中原诸国。
其后楚大夫申包胥求救于秦，秦哀公派出500乘兵车攻打吴军，秦楚联军击败吴军，吴国本土又发生内乱，吴军就被逼返回吴国，楚国才免于灭国之难。

[编辑] 助吴称霸
吴国后来因秦国干预及越国偷袭，而被逼由楚国撤军，但是已使楚国元气大伤，不能威胁吴国。公元前496年，吴王阖闾不听孙武劝阻，出兵攻打新即位的越王勾践，结果被其大败，并气愤病死。孙武及伍子胥帮助阖闾之子夫差治国练兵，并助夫差成功大败勾践，报仇雪恨。而其后夫差北上称霸，于黄池大会诸侯，亦是因为孙武令士兵训练有素的成果。

[编辑] 晚年境遇
虽然孙武助吴国称霸，但夫差在称霸后却开始变得骄傲，并将伍子胥杀死。史书中对孙武的后期生活并无记载，没有一个确定的说法，后人对孙武晚年的说法中，其中一种说法为孙武明白鸟尽弓藏的道理，于是退隐江湖，并以其战争经验改良孙子兵法，使之成为一代巨著；另一种说法为孙武在伍子胥被杀后不久，亦被吴王处死。


[编辑本段]一、古代军事家【题像】　　孙武[1]也就是孙子,出生于约公元前552年,字长卿,后人又尊称孙武子,齐国乐安人，汉族
　　公元前552年，即孔子出生的前一年，在齐国都城临淄以北的莒邑（今山东广饶县境内，李鹊东辛张村，与乐安邑为同一地面），诞生了一位伟大的军事家和军事理论家。他就是被后世并称为山东文武两圣人之一的武圣，也称“兵圣”——孙武。（孙武出生时姓田，后改姓孙。为使称谓统一，书中统称孙武——编者注）
　　孙武的远祖其实既不姓孙，也不姓田，而是姓陈，是春秋时期陈国公子陈完的后代。
　　陈国是春秋时期的一个小国，领域包括今河南的东部及安徽的北部，国都在陈（今河南淮阳一带）。始封之君是周武王的女
婿胡满，他是舜的后代，父亲是周武王时负责执掌陶器制作的“陶正”（官名）。周王朝建立后，建立了数百个诸侯国，以屏卫周王室。姜子牙被周武王分封到齐地，建立齐国。胡满则被周武王分封到了陈。此后，胡满因封陈而称陈胡公，所建方国亦称陈国，子孙后来也以国名为姓氏，即姓陈。
　　公元前527年，年仅25岁的孙武完成旷世圣书——《孙子兵法》。
　　公元前707年，当陈国君位传至陈桓公时，陈国发生了内乱。陈桓公的弟弟杀了兄长陈桓公，篡夺了君位，自立为王，史称陈厉公。7年以后，陈桓公的儿子陈林又杀死了他的叔父陈厉公自立为陈庄公。庄公在位7年，死后由其弟弟接位为陈宣公。陈宣公立其长公子御寇为太子。公元前672年，陈宣公的宠妃为他生了一个儿子。为讨好宠妃，陈宣公废嫡立庶，杀死了太子御寇，另立宠妃生的儿子为太子。公子陈完（字敬仲，生于公元前705年）是陈厉公的长公子，又是太子御寇生前的知己好友。他预感到大祸即将殃及自己，甚至有生命危险，于是决定逃离陈国。
　　离开陈国以后要投奔到什么地方，陈完早就有了打算。他目睹在争霸中原的角逐中，齐桓公不计前嫌，重用和自己有“一箭之仇”的管仲为相，君臣同心，励精图治，对内整顿朝政，锐意改革，对外尊王攘夷，广纳人才。于是，陈完毅然来到齐国。
　　陈完到达齐国后，齐桓公见他仪表堂堂，言谈不俗，颇有经天纬地之才，而且陈完又是陈国公子，虞舜之后，于是齐桓公打算聘他为客卿，也就是当齐桓公非齐裔的高级幕僚。陈完谦逊地谢绝了。齐桓公就让他担任了管理百工（全国所有的手工制造业）的“工正”（官名）。
　　陈完在齐国，讲仁守义，办事得体，表现出很高的道德修养。有一次陈完在白天招待齐桓公饮酒，当喝到兴头时，天已经黑下来了。齐桓公说：“点上灯继续喝！”这时陈完很恭敬地站起来说：“臣只知道白天侍奉君主饮酒，不知道晚上陪饮，实在不敢奉命。”后人评价陈完这种做法时说：“用酒来完成礼仪，不能无限度地继续下去，就是义；陪君主饮酒完成礼仪后便不再使君主过量过度，这就是仁。”这件事是陈完讲仁守义的很好体现。
　　陈完在担任“工正”期间，不仅帮助齐国完成了“工盖天下”、“器盖天下”的争霸目标，还组织人编定了《考工记》一书。由于陈完出色的工作和绝佳的人品，齐桓公便赐给他一些田庄。陈完一则为了隐姓避难，二则为了表示对齐桓公赐封田庄的感激，三则当时陈、田二字的读音差不多，故以田为姓，改陈完为田完。田完后来娶齐大夫懿仲之女为妻，家世逐渐兴旺起来，富贵盈门，成为齐国的望族。田完死后，谥号敬仲。
　　田敬仲完之子名穉孟夷。田穉孟夷生湣孟庄。田湣孟庄生文子须无，事齐庄公。田文子须无生桓子无宇，亦事齐庄公。田无宇承田氏家族尚武遗风，以勇武著称，力大无比，受到齐庄公的宠爱和器重，官至大夫，并被封采于齐国的莒邑（孙武出生地）。田无宇有三个儿子：田开（武子）、田乞（厘子）和田（孙）书。田开没有官职，是平民布衣，其一生主要活动在柏寝台，曾为齐景公登台而鼓琴，是齐国有名的“乐师”。田乞为齐国大夫，先事齐景公，后为齐悼公之相。其在政期间，向民众收取赋税时，故意用小斗；而在向民众放贷时，却故意用大斗，暗行德政于民，收取民心。从此，田氏深得民众爱戴，“归之如流水”，田氏家族日益强盛。田（孙）书即孙武的祖父，在景公朝官至大夫，后因景公赐姓孙氏，改姓名为孙书。田（孙）书的儿子孙凭，即孙武的父亲，字起宗，在景公朝中为卿。田无宇、田（孙）书、孙凭，祖孙三代同在朝中为官，且地位显赫，权倾一时。
　　孙武就出生在这样一个祖辈都精通军事的世袭贵族家庭里。
　　孙武到了吴国，被伍子胥引荐给吴王阖闾，通过斩姬练兵，取得了吴王的赏识。在伍子胥，孙武的治理下，吴国的内政和军事都大有起色。吴王极为倚重二人，把他们两人视为左臂右膀。吴王读过《孙子兵法》，也想深入讨论。一天，吴王同孙武讨论起晋国的政事。吴王问道：“晋国的大权掌握在范氏，中行氏，智氏和韩，魏，赵六家大夫手中，将军认为哪个家族能够强大起来呢？”
　　孙武回答说：“范氏，中行氏两家最先灭亡。”
　　“为什么呢？”
　　“根据他们的亩制，收取租赋以及士卒多寡，官吏贪廉做出判断的。以范氏、中行氏来说，他们以一百六十平方步为一亩。六卿之中，这两家的田制最小，收取的租税最重，高达五分抽一。公家赋敛无度，人民转死沟壑；官吏众多而又骄奢，军队庞大而又屡屡兴兵。长此下去，必然众叛亲离，土崩瓦解！”
　　吴王见孙武的分析切中两家的要害，很有道理，就又接着问道：“范氏、中行氏败亡之后，又该轮到哪家呢？”
　　孙武回答说：“根据同样的道理推论，范氏、中行氏灭亡之后，就要轮到智氏了。智氏家族的亩制，只比范氏、中行氏的亩制稍大一点，以一百八十平方步为一亩，租税却同样苛重，也是五分抽一。智氏与范氏、中行氏的病根几乎完全一样：亩小，税重，公家富有，人民穷困，吏众兵多，主骄臣奢，又好大喜功，结果只能是重蹈范氏、中行氏的覆辙。”
　　吴王继续追问：“智氏家族灭亡之后，又该轮到谁了呢？”

　　孙武说：“那就该轮到韩、魏两家了。韩、魏两家以二百平方步为一亩，税率还是五分抽一。他们两家仍是亩小，税重，公家聚敛，人民贫苦，官兵众多，急功数战。只是因为其亩制稍大，人民负担相对较轻，所以能多残喘几天，亡在三家之后。”
　　孙武不等吴王再开问，接着说：“至于赵氏家族的情况，和上述五家大不一样。六卿之中，赵氏的亩制最大，以二百四十平方步为一亩。不仅如此，赵氏收取的租赋历来不重。亩大，税轻，公家取民有度，官兵寡少，在上者不致过分骄奢，在下者尚可温饱。苛政丧民，宽政得人。赵氏必然兴旺发达，晋国的政权最终要落到赵氏的手中。”
　　孙武论述晋国六卿兴亡的一番话，就像是给吴王献上了治国安民的良策。吴王听了以后，深受启发，高兴地说道：“将军论说得很好。寡人明白了，君王治国的正道，就是要爱惜民力，不失人心。”
[编辑本段]少年好学　　孙武出生的当天晚上，同在朝中为官的孙武的祖父孙书和父亲孙凭都赶回家中。全家上下自主人到仆人都沉浸在无比喜悦的氛围之中。孙书望着襁褓中的孙儿，真希望他快快长大，继承和发扬将门武业，报效国家。孙书决定给孙儿取名为“武”，孙凭完全赞同。武的字形由“止”“戈”两字组成，能止戈才是武。古兵书上说“武有七德”，即武力可以用来禁止强暴，消灭战争，保持强大，巩固功业，安定百姓，协和大众和丰富财物。孙书还给孙儿取了个字，叫“长卿”。“卿”在当时为朝中的大官，与大夫同列。孙书为齐大夫，孙凭为齐卿。他们希望孙儿将来也能象他们一样，在朝中为官，成为国家栋梁。
　　事情果真象他们所希望的那样，随着孙武的长大，逐渐显现出对军事的爱好和特有的天赋。也许是自幼受到将门家庭的熏陶，孙武自幼聪慧睿智，机敏过人，勤奋好学，善于思考，富有创见，而且特别尚武。每当孙书、孙凭自朝中回到家里，孙武总缠着他们，让他们给他讲故事。他特别喜欢听打仗的故事，而且百听不厌。时间一长，在一旁侍候孙武的奴仆、家丁也都学会了。于是，当祖父和父亲不在家时，孙武就缠着他们给他讲。
　　除了听故事，孙武还有一个最大的爱好就是看书，尤其是兵书。孙家是一个祖祖辈辈都精通军事的贵族世家，家中收藏的兵书非常多。《黄帝兵书》、《太公兵法》、《风后渥奇经》、《易经卜兵》、《军志》、《军政》、《军礼》、《令典》、《周书》、《老子兵录》、《尚书兵纪》、《管子兵法》及上自黄帝、夏、商、周，下到春秋早、中期有关战争的许多竹简，塞满了阁楼。孙武就喜欢爬上阁楼，把写满字的竹简拿下来翻看。有不明白的问题就请教家聘的老师，甚至直接找祖父、父亲问个明白。
　　有一次，孙武读到“国之大事，在祀与戎”,他就跑去问老师：“先生，祀是什么？戎是什么？”
　　老师想今天孙武问的问题倒是简单，于是随口说：“祀是祭祀，戎是兵戎。”
　　孙武接着问：“祭祀是种精神的寄托，怎么能和兵戎相提并论为国家的大事呢？”
　　老师顿觉奇异，一时答不出来。
　　孙武接着说：“只有兵，才是国家的大事，君臣不可不察的大事。”
　　孙武长到8岁，被送进“庠序”（政府办的正规学校）接受系统的基础知识教育。当时，“五教”、“六学”是“庠序”的主修课程。“五教”是指五种伦理道德的教育，即父义、母慈、兄友、弟恭、子孝。“六学”是指六种基本科目的学习，即礼、乐、射、御、书、数。少年孙武天资聪明，对那些艰涩繁杂的“五教”以及规定的文化基础课，看三两遍就能熟记于心。往往其他同学还在埋头苦读，他早已记熟，跑到外面玩去了。有一次，老师以为他贪玩，把他叫回去准备责罚一顿。责罚是要有理由的，老师就把刚刚学过的一段课文向他提问，孙武对答如流。老师找不出责罚的理由，只好作罢。久而久之，老师感觉这孩子有不同常人的天赋，将来必成大器。于是教育孙武也就更加用心了。
　　在所有的课程中，孙武最感兴趣的是“六学”中的“射”和“御”。在“射”、“御”的第一节课上，老师先给学生讲解了“射”、“御”的基本内容及学习“射”、“御”的意义。“射”和“御”既是战场拼杀的基本技能，也是齐国社会竞技活动的主要项目。在齐国，每年的九月，都要举办一次全民“射”、“御”逐赛，是国家选将取才的重要形式，也是有志之士展现自我，步入仕途的绝佳良机。
　　接下来，老师还重点讲解了齐国自古就有的“尚武”之风。约在夏商之际，或更早一些，齐地的夷人就以善射而闻名遐迩。夷人的“夷”字就是“大”（像正面伸臂的人形）的身上挎着“弓”组成的象形字。神话传说中，东夷的英雄是羿。他用弓箭驯服了十个太阳，同时射瞎了黄河（河伯）的眼睛。他还射死封豕长蛇，并在青丘（古钜淀湖一带）把猛禽“大风”射死，为民除害。人们尊称他为“后羿”。殷商时期，齐地的英雄蜚廉“以才力事殷纣（《史记·秦本记》），一生非战即斗，最后战死在海边上（蜚廉冢在今广饶县城东）。后来，姜子牙辅佐周文王灭商，被封于齐，建立齐国，尚武风俗得以承袭，并发扬光大。这其中主要有两个原因：一是太公受封之日曾得到周王室赋予的征伐特权，可以代表周王室征讨其他国家，齐国推崇尚武习俗便成为必然。据史记载，齐国曾多次对莱、杞、奄、阳、谭等小国用兵。二是齐地有发展畜牧业尤其是养马的优越地理环境，养马业在诸侯国中捷足先登，这就为军事装备的发展提供了可能。自桓公时起，齐国就是各诸侯国中马匹最多的国家。桓公时，一次赠予卫国良马就达300匹。孙武家所处的青丘地区，就是齐国的养马基地。
　　由于受尚武思想的影响，齐国从国君到士兵，莫不以勇武为荣。“射”和“御”，是齐人首练的武技，主要用于长距离的攻击，是军事活动的重要手段。齐人向来以“射”术和“御”术的高低为荣辱，这已成为一种社会风尚。要想出仕入相，为国家重用，首先必须练好这两门科目。
　　在接下来的学习和训练中，孙武对“射”和“御”投入了比其他学生多数倍的努力。孙武刻苦练习，甚至到了废寝忘食的地步。很快，孙武就成了掌握这两项技能的同辈贵族少年中的佼佼者。
　　孙武没有满足，没有就此止步，依旧是冬练三九，夏练三伏。此时，孙武心中蒙蒙眬眬有一个理想，那就是长大后要象他的祖父孙书、叔父田穰苴一样，成为一名驰骋疆场的大将军。
[编辑本段]历史文献　　孙子武者，齐人也。以兵法见於吴王阖庐。阖庐曰：「子之十三篇，吾尽观之矣，可以小试勒兵乎？」对曰：「可。」阖庐曰：「可试以妇人乎？」曰：「可。」於是许之，出宫中美女，得百八十人。孙子分为二队，以王之宠姬二人各为队长，皆令持戟。令之曰：「汝知而心与左右手背乎？」妇人曰：「知之。」孙子曰：「前，则视心；左，视左手；右，视右手；后，即视背。」妇人曰：「诺。」约束既布，乃设鈇钺，即三令五申之。於是鼓之右，妇人大笑。孙子曰：「约束不明，申令不熟，将之罪也。」复三令五申而鼓之左，妇人复大笑。孙子曰：「约束不明，申令不熟，将之罪也；既已明而不如法者，吏士之罪也。」乃欲斩左古队长。吴王从台上观，见且斩爱姬，大骇。趣使使下令曰：「寡人已知将军能用兵矣。寡人非此二姬，食不甘味，愿勿斩也。」孙子曰：「臣既已受命为将，将在军，君命有所不受。」遂斩队长二人以徇。用其次为队长，於是复鼓之。妇人左右前后跪起皆中规矩绳墨，无敢出声。於是孙子使使报王曰：「兵既整齐，王可试下观之，唯王所欲用之，虽赴水火犹可也。」吴王曰：「将军罢休就舍，寡人不愿下观。」孙子曰：「王徒好其言，不能用其实。」於是阖庐知孙子能用兵，卒以为将。西破彊楚，入郢，北威齐晋，显名诸侯，孙子与有力焉。
[编辑本段]孙武年谱　　一岁：据《史记》和《新唐书》所记，孙武系陈国公子孙完后裔。至公元前544年，孙武一周岁。
　　二岁：公元前543年，周景王二年，齐景公五年，孙武在齐。子产执郑政，郑国大治。
　　三岁：公元前542年，周景王三年，齐景公六年，孙武在齐。
　　四岁：公元前541年，周景王四年，齐景公七年，孙武在齐。晋赵武死，韩宣子执晋政。楚令尹围杀王自立，是为楚灵王。
　　五岁：公元前540年，周景王五年，齐景公八年，孙武在齐。春，晋侯使韩宣子聘鲁，观书于太史氏，见《易象》与《春秋》，说：“周礼尽在鲁矣，吾乃知周公之德与周之所以王也。”
　　六岁：公元前539年，周景王六年，齐景公九年，孙武在齐。> 齐之田氏放贷，大斗出，小斗进，“民归之如流水”。
　　七岁：公元前538年，周景王七年，齐景公十年，孙武在齐。楚会蔡，陈，郑，许，徐，滕，顿，胡，沈，小邾之君及宋世子佐，淮夷于申(今河南省南阳北)。楚灵王与陈，蔡等攻吴，破朱方(今江苏省江东)，执杀齐庆封。
　　八岁：公元前537年，周景王八年，齐景公十一年，孙武在齐。鲁废中军，四分公室。楚联越攻吴，败于鹊岸(今安徽铜陵一带)。
　　九岁：公元前536年，周景王九年，齐景公十二年，孙武在齐。楚攻徐，吴人救之，楚令尹子荡攻吴，败于房钟(今安徽省蒙城西南)。
　　十岁：公元前535年，周景王十年，齐景公十三年，孙武在齐。楚灵王六年，章华之宫落成，召鲁君往贺，鲁昭公不得已赴楚。卫襄公死，子灵公元立。
　　十一岁：公元前534年，周景王十一年，齐景公十四年，孙武在齐。楚灭陈。
　　十二岁：公元前533年，周景王十二年，齐景公十五年，孙武在齐。
　　十三岁：公元前532年，周景王十三年，齐景公十六年，孙武在齐。田，鲍二氏攻栾，栾施，高疆奔鲁。田桓子无宇对贫困孤寡者都发给粮食，其势益大。
　　十四岁：公元前531年，周景王十四年，齐景公十七年，孙武在齐。楚灵王十三年，诱杀蔡灵侯，灭蔡，以公子弃疾为蔡公。吴王馀祭死，弟馀眯立。
　　十五岁：公元前530年，周景王十五年，齐景公十八年，孙武在齐。楚灵王十一年，派兵围徐以威胁吴。
　　十六岁：公元前529年，周景王十六年，齐景公十九年，孙武在齐。楚公子弃疾(蔡公)，公子比(子干)，公子黑肱(子皙，三人均灵王之弟)率陈，蔡，不羹，许，叶之师入楚，灵王西归自杀，立子比为王。弃疾以灵王将至恐吓子比，子皙，二人自杀，弃疾即位，名熊居，是为楚平王。吴馀眯二年，来州来(今安徽省凤台)。
　　十七岁：公元前528年，周景王十七年，齐景公二十年，孙武在齐。楚平王初立，恐国人及诸侯叛之，乃施惠于民，结好邻国，息兵五年。
　　十八岁：公元前527年，周景王十八年，齐景公二十一年，孙武在齐。吴王馀眯死，子僚立。
　　十九岁：公元前526年，周景王十九年，齐景公二十二年，孙武蒙山求学。齐攻徐，至蒲遂(今江苏省睢宁西南)。
　　二十岁：公元前525年，周景王二十年，齐景公二十三年，孙武蒙山求学。吴王僚攻楚，战于长岸(今长江裕溪口一带)，大败，失王船“余皇”，公子姬光(诸樊子)夜袭楚军，夺回“余皇”。
　　二十一岁：公元前524年，周景王二十一年，齐景公二十四年，孙武漫游天下，考察历史古战场。
　　二十二岁：公元前523年，周景王二十二年，齐景公二十五年，孙武漫游天下，考察历史古战场。少师费无极(忌)欲平王疏远太子建，请在城父(今河南省平顶山市北)筑城，使太子居之，以通北方。楚在州来筑城以拒吴。田书因伐莒功大，景公赐姓孙，食采于乐安。
　　二十三岁：公元前522年，周景王二十三年，齐景公二十六年，孙武在齐，博览群书，研究历代战争兵法理论，作著《兵法》的准备工作。费无极谮太子建将以方城之外为叛，楚平王召见，建奔宋，继又奔郑，为郑人所杀。楚杀伍子胥父兄及全家三百余口，伍子胥奔吴。
　　二十四岁：公元前521年，周景王二十四年，齐景公二十七年，孙武，是年与田淑贤成婚。
　　二十五岁：公元前520年，周景王二十五年，齐景公二十八年，孙武在齐。周景王死。国人立长子猛。子朝猛争位。晋出兵助猛。猛旋死，谥悼公。立其弟訇，是为周敬王。
　　二十六岁：公元前519年，周敬王元年，齐景公二十九年，孙武在齐。吴王僚八年，攻州来。楚与顿，胡，沈，蔡，陈，许之兵往救，战于鸡父(今河南省固始东南，一说在安徽寿县西南)，楚军大败。
　　二十七岁：公元前518年，周敬王二年，齐景公三十年，孙武在齐。楚平王十一年，以舟师与越人窥吴境，楚平王至图阳(今安徽省巢县南境)而还。吴蹑楚之后，灭钟离(今安徽省凤阳东北)。
　　二十八岁：公元前517年，周敬王三年，齐景公三十一年，孙武在齐。鲁昭公率师攻伐季孙氏，“三桓”联兵反抗昭公，昭公兵败奔齐。孔子因鲁乱带弟子适齐，为高昭子家臣。
　　二十九岁：公元前516年，周敬王四年，齐景公三十二年，孙武在齐。楚平王死，子珍立，是为楚昭王。
　　三十岁：公元前515年，周敬王五年，齐景公三十三年，高昭子联合栾，鲍，田三家反晏婴，孙凭参与其中，恐遭败后株连，孙武挈妻子奔吴，隐于穹窿中。吴王僚十二年，攻楚围潜(今安徽省霍山东北)。楚左尹伯却宛等绝其后，吴军被困不能退。公子光利用时机，设宴请吴王僚赴会，遣专诸刺王僚。姬光继位，是为吴王阖庐(闾)。楚伯却宛等乘吴乱大败吴师，凯旋而还。费无极，鄢将师妒火中烧，设计杀伯却宛全家，伯却宛子伯喜奔吴。国人怨令尹囊瓦，囊瓦杀死费无极，鄢将师。
　　三十一岁：公元前514年，周敬王六年，吴王阖庐元年。阖庐举伍子胥为行人，伯喜为大夫。伍子胥奉阖庐之命，请孙武出山练兵斩姬。阖庐拜孙武为元帅兼军师，执掌吴之国政。
　　三十二岁：公元前513年，周敬王七年，吴王阖庐二年。孙子在吴。
　　三十三岁：公元前512年，周敬王八年，吴王阖庐三年。吴取分兵扰楚之策，讨吴叛臣，断楚翅翼，灭徐与钟吾。
　　三十四岁：公元前511年，周敬王九年，吴王阖庐四年。吴取三师以敝楚，多方以误楚之策，攻楚之夷，潜，六，楚军往救，吴军攻弦，楚军往救，吴军又退。楚人探知吴军确已返国，乃自回军。楚军一退，而吴之又一军复出，进攻养邑，楚人救援不及，吴遂攻克养邑，杀公子掩余与烛庸。
　　三十五岁：公元前510年，周敬王十年，吴王阖庐五年。楚联越伐吴，为吴军所败。阖庐使伍子胥增筑都城。
　　三十六岁：公元前509年，周敬王十一年，吴王阖庐六年。孙子在吴。
　　三十七岁：公元前508年，周敬王十二年，吴王阖庐七年。吴为继续施行多方误敌之策，诱桐叛楚，投饵钓鱼，囊瓦上钩，率师攻吴，被吴军击败于豫章，吴遂取巢，获公子繁以归。自此役之后，楚国豫章山以东诸邑及附庸，属国全为吴所有。
　　三十八岁：公元前507年，周敬王十三年，吴王阖庐八年。孙子在吴。楚囊瓦向蔡昭侯索裘及佩玉，又向唐成公索马，两君不肯，囊瓦无理扣留唐蔡二君。
　　三十九岁：公元前506年，周敬王十四年，吴王阖庐九年。晋以周王室名义会十八国诸侯于召陵，谋攻楚。晋荀寅向蔡昭侯求赂，不得，伐楚夭折。囊瓦围蔡，吴往救，开始了吴破楚入郢之战。吴军至淮纳弃舟，越大别山，进攻楚囊瓦军于柏举(今湖北省麻城东)，胜机攻入郢都。囊瓦奔郑；昭王逃入云梦泽中，被“盗”袭击，又奔随。楚申包胥求救于秦，哭秦庭七日，秦哀公乃许出兵。
　　四十岁：公元前505年，周敬王十五年，吴王阖庐十年。秦救楚，败吴兵，阖庐弟夫概回吴自立，阖庐先回吴，夺回王位。吴军相继班师回国。楚昭王回郢。
　　四十一岁：公元前504年，周敬王十六年，吴王阖庐十一年。吴攻楚，败其舟师，又败其陆师于繁阳(今河南省新蔡北)。
　　四十二岁：公元前503年，周敬王十七年，吴王阖庐十二年。孙武见阖庐日益专横，生活糜烂，沉溺于酒色，不纳臣谏，遂以回国探亲为由，隐遁山林，从此史无所记。有人说他回到了齐国，与家人团聚，共享天伦之乐。有人说他功成身隐，以尽天年而终，终年七十五岁，即公元前470年，终于吴国姑苏，即今江苏省苏州市所辖之吴县。如此等等，俱都传说而已，皆无史可考。
[编辑本段]孙武名言　　1、 以近待远，以佚待劳，以饱待饥。
　　2、用兵之法，十则围之，五则攻之，倍则分之，敌则能战之，少则能逃之，不若则能避之。
　　3、 故三军可夺气，将军可夺心。
　　4、其疾如风，其徐如林，侵掠如火，不动如山，难知如阴，动如雷震。
　　5、故上兵伐谋，其次伐交，其次伐兵，其下攻城。
　　6、善用兵者，役不再籍，粮不三载，取用于国，因粮于敌，故军食可足也。国之贫于师者远输，远输则百姓贫；近师者贵卖，贵卖则百姓财竭，财竭则急于丘役。力屈中原、内虚于家，...
　　7、昔之善战者，先为不可胜，以待敌之可胜。不可胜在已，可胜在敌。故善战者，能为不可胜，不能使敌必可胜。
　　8、夫未战而庙算胜者，得算多也；未战而庙算不胜者，得算少也。多算胜，少算不胜，而况无算乎！吾以此观之，胜负见矣。
　　9、是故百战百胜，非善之善也；不战而屈人之兵，善之善者也。
　　10、 凡治众如治寡，分数是也；斗众如斗寡，形名是也；三军之众，可使必受敌而无败，奇正是也；兵之所加，如以□投卵者，虚实是也。
　　11、胜可知，而不可为。 不可胜者，守也；可胜者，攻也。守则有余，攻则不足。善守者，藏于九地之下；善攻者，动于九天之上。
　　12、计利以听，乃为之势，以佐其外。势者，因利而制权也。

孙子兵法精髓 Kernel of Sun Tzu Art of War

Sun Tzu Art of War (also known as Sun Zi Art of War) is the famous work written by Sun Zi. It has altogether 13 Chapters.
Since at least the 1980s, The Art of War has been applied to fields well outside the military. Much of the text is about how to fight wars without actually having to do battle: it gives tips on how to outsmart one's opponent so that physical battle is avoided. As such, it has found applications as a training guide for many competitive endeavors that do not involve actual combat.
The book has gained popularity in corporate culture as well; there have been a variety of business books written applying its lessons to corporate strategy. The book is also popular among Western business management, who have turned to it for inspiration and advice on how to succeed in competitive business situations.

Detailed Assessment and Planning,始计 explores the five key elements that define competitive position namely, political intelligence, climate, terrain, leadership and organization characteristics, and how to evaluate your competitive strengths against your competitors.
[edit]
Popular Quotes
Some popular Sun Tzu Quotes in this chapter are
Sun Tzu said:"War is of immense importance. Because it will determines the nation and it's people survival. Thus the initial assessment of war is of utmost importance."
War is also about deceptions. When you are capable, feign incapability. When you are good at deployment of units, feign that you are incapable. When you are near, feign that you are far. When you are far away, feign that you are near.
[edit]
Importance of War
Original: 孙子曰: 兵者，国之大事，死生之地，存亡之道，不可不察也。
English: Sun Tzu said:"War is of immense importance...
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[edit]
Five Major Areas of Assessment
Original: 故经之已五，校之以计，而索其情: 一曰道，二曰天，三曰地，四曰将，五曰法。
English: There are five areas one should look at and compare them with those of enemies to understand the situation and assess the chance of victory. They are...
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[edit]
Political Intelligence
Original: 道者，令民与上同意者也，可与之死，可与之生，民不畏危。
English: Political Intelligence means the ruler is able to unite the whole nation. In this way, ...
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[edit]
What is Weather & Terrain?
Original: 天者，阴阳，暑寒，时制也。地者，高下，远近，易险，广狭，死生也。
English: Weather means day or night, brightness, temperature and seasonal changes.Terrain means ...
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[edit]
Characteristic of Generals
Original: 将者，智，信，仁，勇，严也。
English: Generals should be assessed by...
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[edit]
What Constitute an Army Organization?
Original: 法者，曲制，管道，主用也。
English: Army organization structure refers to the army organization and control,...
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[edit]
Sub-Areas of Assessment
Original: 凡此五者，将莫不闻，知之者胜。不知者不胜，故校之以计，而索其情。 曰: 主孰有道? 将孰有能? 天地孰得? 法令孰行? 兵众孰强？ 士卒孰练？ 赏罚孰明？ 吾以此观之，而知胜负矣。
English: Generals who are able to assess these five factors well would be able to win and those that could not would fail. Thus in planning,...
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[edit]
The Type of Generals to Use
Original: 将听吾计，用之必胜，留之。将不听吾计，用之必败，去之。计利以听，乃为之势，以佐其外。势者，因利而制权也。
English: Generals who adopt my strategies would be able to win the battle; he must be...
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[edit]
War is about Deception
Original: 兵者，诡道也。故能而示之不能，用而示之不用，近而示之远，远而示之近。
English: War is also about deception.When you are capable, feign...
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[edit]
Thing to Note Using Deceptions
Original: 利而诱之，乱而取之，实而备之，强而避之，怒而扰之，卑而骄之，佚而劳之，亲而离之，攻其不备，出其不意。此乃兵家之胜，不可先传外也。
English: If the enemy is greedy, use baits to lure him. If the enemy is in disarray,...
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[edit]
Final Stage of Assessment
Original: 夫未战而庙算胜者，得算多也。未战而庙算不胜者，得算少也。多算胜，少算不胜，而况与无算乎。吾以此观之，胜负可见矣。
English: In conclusion, those who have consider more...
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Waging War,作战 explains the economic nature of competition and how success requires making winning pay, which in turn, requires limiting the cost of competition and conflict.
[edit]
Popular Quotes
Some popular Sun Tzu Quotes in this chapter are
The purpose of raising an army is to achieve swift and decisive victory. If victory cannot be achieved quickly, the army would be lethargic and lose their fighting spirit.
Hence, a wise general would always make it a point to use the supplies and provisions of the enemy.
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Raising an Army
Original: 孙子曰: 凡用兵之法，驰车千驷，革车千乘，带甲十万， 馈粮千里;则内外之费用，宾客之用，胶漆之材，车甲之奉，日费千金，然后十万之师可举矣。
English: In general, before the start of the military campaign, one would need ...
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[edit]
Importance of Swiftness
Original: 其用战也贵速，久则兵钝挫锐，攻城则力屈，久暴师则国用不足。夫钝兵挫锐，屈力殚货，则诸侯乘其弊而起，虽有智者，不能善其后，故兵闻拙速，未睹巧之久也。夫兵久而国利者，未之有也。故不尽知用兵之害者，则不能尽知用兵之利也。
English: The purpose of raising an army is to achieve...
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[edit]
Using Resources
Original: 善用兵者，役不在籍，粮不三载；取用与国，因粮于敌, 故军食可足也。国之贫于师者远输，远输则百姓贫，近于师者贵卖，贵卖则百姓财竭，材竭则急于丘役。力屈，财殚，中原内虚于家。百姓之费，十去其七。公家之费，破车罢马，车胄失弩，戟盾蔽橹，丘牛大车，十去其六。
English: The general who is well-versed with warfare does not...
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[edit]
What is the Equivalence of One Unit of Enemy's Resource Compared to Ours
Original: 故智将务食于敌，食敌一种，当吾二十种；箕杆一石，當吾二十石。
English: Hence, a wise general would always make it a point to use...
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[edit]
Motivating the Troops to Capture Enemy's Resource
Original: 故杀敌者，怒也; 取敌之利者，货也。故车战，得车十乘以上，赏其先得者，而更其旌旗，车杂而乘之;卒善而养之，是谓胜敌而益强。
English: In order to kill the enemies, you need to make your troops hate them. In order to motivate...
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[edit]
Importance of a Good General (I)
Original: 故兵贵胜，不贵久。故知兵之将，生民之司命，国家安危之主也。
English: In war, it is better to go for swift victories rather than engaging in a prolong campaign. Thus a general...
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Strategic Attacks,谋攻 defines the source of strength as unity, not size, and the five ingredients that you need to succeed in any competitive situation.
[edit]
Popular Quotes
Some popular Sun Tzu Quotes in this chapter are
Thus to fight a hundred battles and win a hundred battles, is not a reflection of the most supreme strategy. The ability to subdue the enemy without battle is a reflection of the ultimate supreme strategy.
He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily. He who knows himself but not his enemy, will have an even chance of victory. He who does not know himself and his enemy, is bound to suffer defeat in all battles.
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Aim for Completeness
Original: 孙子曰: 凡用兵之法，全国为上，破国次之; 全军为上，破军次之；全旅为上，破旅次之；全卒为上，破卒次之；全伍为上，破伍次之；
English:In war, to capture the whole nation intact is the best strategy; to ruin or shatter the nation is ...
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[edit]
True Win
Original: 是故百战百胜，非善之善者也；不战而屈人之兵，善之善者也。
English: Thus to fight a hundred battles and win a hundred battles, is...
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[edit]
Forms of Attack and its Priority
Original: 故上兵伐谋，其次伐交，其次伐兵，攻城之法为不得已。
English: The supreme is to attack enemies’ ...
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[edit]
Why Avoid Attacking Cities
Original: 修橹轒辒，具器械，三月而后成，距闉, 又三月而后已。将不胜其忿，而蚁附之，杀士三分之一，而城不拔之，此攻之灾也。
English: The preparation of shields, weapons and equipment would take at least...
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[edit]
What Good Generals Aim For
Original: 故善用兵者，屈人之兵而非战也，拔人之城而非攻也，毁人之国而非久也；必以全而争天下，故兵不顿，而利可全。此谋攻之法也。
English: The general who is adept at warfare will be able to subdue his enemy’s troops without...
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[edit]
Attacking Enemy's Troops Base on Own Numbers
Original: 故用兵之法，十而围之，五则攻之，倍而分之，敌而战之，少则能逃之，不若则能避之。故小敌之坚，大敌之擒也。
English: When you outnumber your enemy ten to one, surround him. When you outnumber your enemy five to one, ...
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[edit]
Strength of Nation Depends on Generals
Original: 夫将者，国之辅也。辅周则国必强，辅隙则国必弱。
English: The general being an official, serve the nation. If he is thoughtful and detailed in his work,...
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[edit]
How Rulers can Affect Campaign
Original: 故君之所以患于军者三；不知军之不可以进，而谓之进；不知军之不可以退，而谓之退；是谓縻军。不知三军之事，而同三军之政者，则军事之惑矣。不知三军之权，而同三军之任，则军之疑矣。三军既惑且疑，则诸侯之难矣，是谓乱军引胜。
English: There are three ways in which the ruler can adversely affect his army’s campaign...
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[edit]
How to Predict Victory
Original: 故知胜有五：知可以战与不可以战者胜；识众寡之用者胜；上下同欲者胜；以虞待不虞者胜；将能而君不御者胜。此五者，知胜之道也。
English: There are five ways to predict victory...
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[edit]
Know the Enemy
Original: 故曰：知彼知己，百战不殆；不知彼而知己，一胜一负；不知彼，不知己，每战必殆。
English: He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be...

Disposition of the Army,军形 explains the importance of defending existing positions until you can advance them and how you must recognize opportunities, not try to create them.
[edit]
Popular Quotes
Some popular Sun Tzu Quotes in this chapter are
In ancient times, those who were skilful in warfare ensured that they would not be defeated and then waited for opportunities to defeat the enemy.
Therefore, the person adept at warfare, will put himself in a position where odds of defeat is the smallest and grabs every opportunity to defeat the enemy.
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Ensure Undefeated-ness
Original: 孙子曰：昔之善战者，先为不可胜，以待敌可胜。不可胜在己，可胜在敌。故善战者，能为不可胜，不能使敌人之可胜。故曰：胜可知，而不可为。
English: Sun Tzu said: In ancient times, those who were skilful in warfare ensured that they...
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[edit]
When to Offend or Defend
Original: 不可胜者，守也；可胜者，攻也。守则不足，攻则有余。善守者，藏于九地之下，善攻者，动于九天之上，故能自保而全胜也。
English: If the enemy cannot be overcome, defend. If the enemy can be overcome...
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[edit]
True Military Strategist (I)
Original: 见胜不过众人之所知，非善之善者也；战胜而天下曰善，非善之善者也。故举秋毫不为多力，见日月不为明目，闻雷霆不为聪耳。古之所谓善战者，胜于易胜者也。故善战者之胜也，无智名，无勇功。
English: To predict a victory that cannot surpass the common military knowledge, is not...
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[edit]
True Military Strategist (II)
Original: 故其战胜不忒，不忒者，其所措必胜，胜已败者也。故善战者，立于不败之地，而不失敌之败也。是故胜兵先胜而后求战，败兵而先战而后求胜。善用兵者，修道而保法，故能为胜败之政。
English: He wins battle with confidence and without making mistakes. He does not make mistakes because...
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[edit]
Evaluating Operations
Original: 兵法：一曰度，二曰量，三曰数，四曰称，五曰胜；地生度，度生量，量生数，数生称，称生胜。
English: Now in warfare, evaluations must be made as follows: First, estimating the degree of difficulty; second, assessing the scope of operation; third,...
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[edit]
Disposition of Army
Original: 故胜兵若以镒称铢，故败兵若以铢称镒。称胜者之战民也，若决积水于千仞之溪者，形也。
English: Thus, a victorious army is like a heavy-weight matched against...
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Forces,兵势 expels the use of creativity and timing to build your competitive momentum.
[edit]
Popular Quotes
Some popular Sun Tzu Quotes in this chapter are
In battle, use the direct forces to match the enemy, and use the indirect forces to win the enemy.
When the gushing torrential water tosses stones pushing boulders, it is because of the force of its momentum. When the ferocious strike of an eagle, breaks the body of its prey, it is because of the timing of the strike.
[edit]
Managing Troops & Attacking
Original: 孙子曰：凡治众如治寡，分数是也；斗众如斗寡，形名是也；三军之众，可使必受敌而无败，奇正是也；兵之所加，如以碫投卵者，虚实是也。
English: Sun Tzu said: Managing a large force can be similar to managing a small force. It is a matter of...
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[edit]
Direct & Indirect Forces
Original: 凡战者，以正合，以奇胜。故善出奇者，无穷如天地，不竭如江河。终而复始，日月是也。死而复生，四时是也。声不过五，五声之变，不可胜听也。色不过五，五色之变，不可胜观也。味不过五，五味之变，不可胜尝也。战势不过奇正，奇正之变，不可胜穷之也。奇正相生，如环之无端，孰能穷之？
English: In battle, use the direct forces to match the...
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[edit]
Momentum & Timing
Original: 激水之疾，至于漂石者，势也；鸷鸟之疾，至于毁拆者，节也。是故善战者，其势险，其节短。势如张弩，节如发机。
English: When the gushing torrential water tosses stones pushing boulders, it is because of...
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[edit]
Control of Army
Original: 纷纷纭纭，斗乱而不可乱也。浑浑沌沌，形圆而不可败也。
English: In the midst of disorders and turmoil in war, while the troops have to fight under chaotic situations, they must...
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[edit]
Deceptions by Troops
Original: 乱生于治，怯生于勇，弱生于强。治乱，数也；勇怯，势也；强弱，形也。
English: To feign disorder, one must possess...
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[edit]
Manipulating Enemy
Original: 故善动敌者，形之，敌必从之；予之，敌必取之。以利动之，以卒待之。
English: Thus the person, who is adept at warfare, manipulates the enemy by...
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[edit]
Exploiting Forces
Original: 故善战者，求之于势，不责于人；故能择人而任势。任势者，其战人也，如转木石。木石之性，安则静，危则动，方则止，圆则行。故善战人之势，如转圆石于千仞之山者，势也。
English: Thus the person who is adept at warfare, use the battle circumstances and does not solely...
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Weaknesses and Strengths,虚实 explains how your opportunities come from the openings in the environment caused by the relative weakness of your competitors in a given area.
[edit]
Popular Quotes
Some popular Sun Tzu Quotes in this chapter are
Thus the person adept in warfare seeks to control and manipulate his enemy instead of being manipulated and controlled.
Without ascertainable formations, even the most infiltrated and observant spy will not be able to probe and comprehend, and the wisest strategist will not be able to uncover your plans or plot against you.
[edit]
First-Mover
Original: 孙子曰：凡先处战地而待敌者佚，后处战地而趋战者劳。
English: Sun Tzu said: Those who arrive first at the battleground will...
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[edit]
To Move the Enemy
Original: 故善战者，致人而不致于人。能使敌自至者，利之也；能使敌不得至者，害之也。
English: Thus the person adept in warfare seeks to control and...
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[edit]
How to Stall the Enemy
Original: 故敌佚而能劳之，饱能饥之，安能动之。出其所不趋，趋其所不意。
English: Thus when the enemy is well-rested, disturb...
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[edit]
Moving, Attacking & Defending
Original: 行千里而不劳者，行于无人之地也。攻而必取者，攻其所不守也。守而必固者，守其所不攻也。故善攻者，敌不知其所守。善守者，敌不知其所攻。微乎微乎，至于无形，神乎神乎，至于无声，故能为敌之司命。
English: An army can travel for a thousand miles without being exhausted because...
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[edit]
Attack Without Resistance, Retreat Without Being Attacked
Original: 进而不可御者，冲其虚也；退而不可追者，速而不可及也。
English: He is able to advance without resistance because he accelerates along areas that are...
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[edit]
How to Engage or Disengage the Enemy
Original: 故我欲战，敌虽高垒深沟，不得不与我战者，攻其所必救也；我不欲战，虽画地而守之，敌不得与我战者，乖其所之也。
English: Thus when I desire to go into battle, even if the enemy is behind high walls and...
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[edit]
Concealment & it Benefits
Original: 故形人而我无形，则我专而敌分；我专为一，敌分为十，是以十攻其一也，则我众而敌寡；能以众击寡者，则吾之所与战者，约矣。吾所与战之地不可知；不可知，则敌所备者多，敌所备者多，则吾之所战者，寡矣。 故备前则后寡， 备后者前寡，故备左则右寡，备右则左寡，无所不备，则无所不寡。
English: Thus, if I can uncover the dispositions of the enemy while remaining concealed myself, I can keep my forces...
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[edit]
How Attack & Defence can Affect Strength
Original: 寡者，备人者也；众者，使人备己者也。
English: The inferiority or weakness in numbers is normally associated with...
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[edit]
Knowing the BattleGround & Engagement Time
Original: 故知战之地，知战之日，则可千里而会战。不知战之地，不知战之日，则左不能救右，右不能救左，前不能救后，后不能救前， 而况远者数十里，近者数里乎？
English: If you know the terrain of the battleground and the exact date of engagement of battle, your army can...
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[edit]
Majority has Absolute Advantage?
Original: 以吾度之，越人之兵虽多，亦奚益于胜败哉？故曰：胜可为也。敌虽众，可使无斗。故策之而知得失之计，作之而知动静之理，形之而知死生之地，角之而知有余不足之处。
English: Based on my analysis and evaluation, the people of YUE may have superiority in numbers but does this mean that it has the definite advantage...
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[edit]
Flexibility in Formation
Original: 故形兵之极，至于无形；无形，则深间不能窥，智者不能谋。因形而错胜于众，众不能知；人皆知我所以胜之形，而莫知吾所以制胜之形；
English: The ultimate skill in the deployment of troops is to ensure that it has...
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[edit]
Be Flexible like Water
Original: 故其战胜不复，而应形于无穷。夫兵形像水，水之形，避高而趋下；兵之形，避实而击虚。水因地而制流，兵因敌而制胜。 故兵无常势，水无常形；能因敌变化而取胜者，谓之神。故五行无常胜，四时无常位，日有长短，月有生死。
English: Therefore, the victory gained from each battle comes about because strategies and tactics...
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Military Manoeuvere,军争 explains the dangers of direct conflict and how to win those confrontations when they are forced upon you.
[edit]
Popular Quotes
Some popular Sun Tzu Quotes in this chapter are
Those who do not use local guides will not be able to gain the advantages of the terrain.
It follows that an army without heavy equipment and supplies will perish. An army without sufficient food and grain will die. An army without sufficient stockpiles and reserves will not survive.
[edit]
Difficulties in Troops Manoeuvere
Original: 孙子曰：凡用兵之法，将受命于君，合军聚众，交合而舍，莫难于军争。军争之难者，以迂为直，以患为利。
English: Sun Tzu said: In any military campaign, the general will first receive orders from his ruler. He then...
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[edit]
Reaching Battlefield Earlier
Original: 故迂其途，而诱之以利，后人发，先人至，此知迂直之计者也。
English: Thus, advance by using indirect routes, and lure the enemy by...
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[edit]
Difficulty in Equipping Army
Original: 故军争为利，军争为危。举军而争利，则不及；委军而争利，则辎重损。是故卷甲而趋，日月不处，倍道兼行，百里而争利，则擒三将军，劲者先，疲者后，其法十一而至；五十里而争利，则蹶上将军，其法半至；三十里而争利，则三分之二至。故军无辎重则亡，无粮食则亡，无委积则亡。
English: In maneuvering there are advantages to be gained and dangers and calamities as well. One who attempts to mobilize a...
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[edit]
Critical Information for Manoeuvering
Original: 故不知诸侯之谋者，不能豫交；不知山林，险阻，沮泽之形者，不能行军；不用乡导者，不能得地利。
English: Thus, if the schemes and ploys of the neighboring warlords are not known, one should...
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[edit]
Art of Manoeuvering
Original: 故兵以诈立，以利动，以分合为变者也。故其疾如风，其徐如林，侵略如火，不动如山，难知如阴，动如雷震。掠乡分众，廓地分利，悬权而动。先知迂直至计者胜，此军争之法也。
English: Thus, war is based on who applies deception best. Move when there is...
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[edit]
Importance of Unity in Manoeuvering
Original: 军政曰：┌言不相闻，故为金鼓；视不相见，故为旌旗┘ 夫金鼓旌旗者，所以一人之耳目也；人既专一，则勇者不得独进，怯者不得独退，此用众之法也。
English: According to the Book on Military Administration, “In battles, as verbal communication cannot be heard clearly,...
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[edit]
Uniting Troops during Manoeuvere
Original: 故夜战多用火鼓，昼战多旌旗，所以变人之耳目也。
English:: For battles at night, use more torches and drums. For battles in the day, use...
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[edit]
Controlling Morale
Original: 故三军可夺气，将军可夺心。是故朝气锐，昼气惰，暮气归。故善用兵者，避其锐气， 击其惰气，此治气者也。
English: Thus, they serve to destroy the morale of the enemy’s army. With regard to the generals of the enemy, they serve...
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[edit]
Handling Psychological Factor
Original: 以治待乱，以静待哗，此治心者也。
English: Use orderliness and stability to confront...
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[edit]
Managing Physique Factor
Original: 以近待远，以佚待劳，以饱待饥，此治力者也。
English: Use proximity to battlefield to counter enemies that...
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[edit]
Managing Change Factor
Original: 无邀正正之旗，无击堂堂之阵，此治变者也。
English: Never engage an approaching enemy who displays ...
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[edit]
Manoeuvering & Deploying of Troops
Original: 故用兵之法，高陵勿向，背丘勿逆，佯北勿从，锐卒勿攻， 饵兵勿食，归师勿遏， 围师必阙，穷寇勿追，此用兵之法也。
English: Thus the art of applying military maneuvers includes the following: ...
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Variation and Adaptability,九变 focuses on the need for flexibility in your responses. It explains how to respond to shifting circumstances successfully.
[edit]
Popular Quotes
Some popular Sun Tzu Quotes in this chapter are
Thus, the wise strategist will always weigh and consider the favourable and unfavourable factors in his deliberations.
Thus, in the conduct of war, one must not rely on the failure of the enemy to come, but on the readiness of oneself to engage him.
[edit]
Six Grounds & Troop's Actions
Original: 孙子曰：凡用兵之法，将受命于君， 合军聚众，圯地无舍， 衢地合交，绝地勿留，围地则谋，死地则战。
English: Sun Zi said: In a military campaign, the general first receive orders from his ruler. He then...
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[edit]
Importance of Being Adapting to Changing Situations & Terrain
Original: 途有所不由，军有所不击，城有所不攻，地有所不争，君命有所不受。故将通于九变之利者，知用兵矣；将不通于九变之利，虽知五形，不能得的之利矣；治兵不知九变之术，虽知地利，不能得人之用矣。
English: There are some routes and paths that must not be taken. There are some armies and troops that must not be ...
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[edit]
Why Factor Favourable & Unfavourable
Original: 是故智者之虑，必杂于利害。杂于利，而务可信也；杂于害，而患可解也。
English: Thus, the wise strategist will always weigh and consider...
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[edit]
Dealing with Warlords
Original: 是故诸侯者以害，役诸侯者以业，趋诸侯者以利。
English: Succumb the neighbouring warlords through the use...
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[edit]
Preparedness
Original: 故用兵之法，无恃其不来，恃吾有以待也；无恃其不攻，恃吾有所不可攻也。
English: Thus, in the conduct of war, one must not rely on the failure of...
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[edit]
Dangerous Traits of Generals
Original: 故将有五危：必死，可杀也；必生，可虏也；忿速，可侮也；廉洁，可辱也；爱民，可烦也。此五者，将之过也，用兵之灾也。覆军杀将，必以五危，不可不察也。
English: Thus, there are five dangers that will plague any general...
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Movement and Deployment of Troops,行军 describes the different situations in which you find yourselves when you move into new competitive arenas and how to respond to them. Much of it focuses on evaluating the intentions of others.
[edit]
Popular Quotes
Some popular Sun Tzu Quotes in this chapter are
Concentrate the strengths of your forces sufficiently and judge the moves and motives of the enemy accurately so as to capture him.
When the men are punished before their loyalty is secured, they will be rebellious and disobedient.
[edit]
Deployment in Mountainous Area
Original: 孙子曰：凡处军、相敌：绝山依谷， 视生处高来， 战隆无登，此处山之军也。
English: Sun Tzu said: In the deployment of troops and in the analysis and assessment of the enemy, certain principles...
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[edit]
Deployment in Marine Battles
Original: 绝水必远水；客绝水而来，勿迎之于水内，令半济而击之，利；欲战者，无附于水而迎客；视生处高，无迎水流，此处水上之军也。
English: After crossing a river, get as far away from ...
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[edit]
Deployment in Swamp & Marsh
Original: 绝斥泽，惟亟去无留；若交军于斥泽之中，必依水草，而背众树，此处斥泽之军也。
English: When crossing salty swamps and marshes, move...
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[edit]
Deployment on Level Terrain
Original: 平陆处易，而右背高，前死后生，此处平陆之军也。
English: On level terrain, occupy positions that allow you...
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[edit]
Basic Deployment Rules
Original: 凡此四军之利，黄帝之所以胜四帝也。凡军好高而恶下，贵阳而贱阴，养生而处实。军无百疾，是谓必胜。
English:By mastering the principles of the four different situations for...
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[edit]
Deployment in Hilly Areas
Original: 丘陵堤防，必处其阳，而右背之。此兵之利、地之助也。
English: When in hilly areas, you need to be cautious and...
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[edit]
When Going to Cross River
Original: 上雨，水沫至，欲涉者，待其定也。
English: When there is rain upstream and the river is...
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[edit]
Deployment in Treacherous Natural Crevices
Original: 凡地有绝涧、天井、天牢、天罗、天陷、天隙，必亟去之，勿近也。吾远之，敌近之；吾迎之，敌背之。
English: In any terrain, there are treacherous gullies, natural wells, natural...
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[edit]
Deployment in Areas with Thick Undergrowth
Original: 军旁有险阻、潢井、葭苇、林木、翳荟者，必谨复索之，此伏奸之所处也。
English: The surrounding areas along the route that an army takes may have...
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[edit]
Signals from Enemy's Movement
Original: 敌近而静者，恃其险也。远而挑战者，欲人之进也；其所居易者，利也。
English: When the enemy is nearby and yet is able to remain silent, he is...
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[edit]
Signals from Nature
Original: 众树动者，来也；众草多障者，疑也。鸟起者，伏也；兽骇者，覆也；
English: When the forest trees show sign of movement, the enemy is...
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[edit]
Signals from Dust Clouds
Original: 尘高而锐者，车来也；卑而广者，徒来也。散而条达者，樵采也。少而往来者，营军也。
English: When the dust rises high and concentrated, the enemy...
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[edit]
Signals from Envoy
Original: 辞卑而益备者，进也；辞强而进驱者，退也；无约而请和者，谋也；
English: When the envoy of the enemy speaks humbly and lowly while...
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[edit]
Signals from Formation
Original: 轻车先出居其侧者，陈也；奔走而陈兵者，期也；半进半退者，诱也。
English: When the light chariots leave the main force to take up...
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[edit]
Signals from Soldiers & Camp
Original: 杖而立者，饥也；汲而先饮者，渴也。见利而不进者，劳也；鸟集者，虚也；夜呼者，恐也；军扰者，将不重也。旌旗动者，乱也；吏怒者，倦也；粟马肉食，军无悬甑，不返其舍者，穷寇也；
English: When the soldiers of the enemy are leaning against their weapons, they are...
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[edit]
Signals About Generals
Original: 谆谆翕翕，徐与人言者，失众也；数赏者，窘也。数罚者，困也。先暴而后畏其众者，不精之至也；来委谢者，欲休息也。兵怒而相迎，久而不合，又不相去，必谨察之。
English: When the officers and men gather in small groups to speak softly and...
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[edit]
Numerical Advantage?
Original: 兵非贵益多，惟无武进，足以并力、料敌、取人而巳。夫唯无虑而易敌者，必擒于人。
English: The strength of an army does not depend...
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[edit]
Loyalty & Punishment
Original: 卒末亲附而罚之，则不服，不服则难用也。卒已亲附而罚不行，则不可用也。
English: When the men are punished before their loyalty is secured, they will be...
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[edit]
Enforcement of Orders
Original: 故令之以文，齐之以武，是谓必取。令素行以教其民，则民服；令不素行以教其民，则民不服。令素行者，与众相得也。
English: Thus, the general must be able to instruct his troops with...
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Terrain,地形 is Chapter 10 of Sun Zi Art of War.
[edit]
Types of Terrain
Original: 孙子曰：地形有通者，有挂者，有支者，有隘者，有险者，有远者。
English: Sun Zi said: There are different kinds of terrain, such as: ...
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[edit]
In a Communicative Ground
Original: 我可以往，彼可以来，曰通。通形者，先居高阳，利粮道，以战则利。
English: An area that is easily accessible to me and the other side is...
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[edit]
In an Entrapping Ground
Original: 可以往，难以返，曰挂。挂形者，敌无备，出而胜之；敌若有备，出而不胜，难以返，不利。
English: An area that is easy to enter but difficult to...
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[edit]
In an Indifferent Ground
Original: 我出而不利，彼出而不利，曰支。支形者，敌虽利我，我无出也；引而去之，令敌半出而击之，利。
English: An area that is not advantageous for occupation for...
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[edit]
In a Constricted Ground
Original: 隘形者，我先居之，必盈之以待敌；若敌先居之，盈而勿从，不盈而从之。
English: On a constricted ground, must be the first to...
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[edit]
In a Key Ground
Original: 险形者，我先居之，必居高阳以待敌；若敌先居之，引而去之，勿从也。
English: On key ground, first occupy and then...
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[edit]
In a Distant Ground
Original: 远形者，势均，难以挑战，战而不利。
English: On a distant ground, if both forces are...
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[edit]
Terrains & Generals
Original: 凡此六者，地之道也。将之至任，不可不察也。
English: The natural laws of terrain underlie these...
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[edit]
Six Army Calamities
Original: 故兵有走者，有弛者，有陷者，有崩者，有乱者，有北者。凡此六者，非天地之灾，将之过也。
English: An army suffers from...
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[edit]
Army Calamities
Original: 夫势均，以一击十，曰走；卒强吏弱，曰弛；吏强卒弱，曰陷；大吏怒而不服，遇敌忍而自战，将不知其能，曰崩；将弱不严，教道不明，吏卒无常，陈兵纵横，曰乱；将不能料敌，以少防众，以弱击强，兵无选锋，曰北。凡此六者，败之道也。将之至任，不可不察也。
English: Even when all other conditions and characteristics are...
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[edit]
Exploiting Terrain
Original: 夫地形者，兵之助也；料敌制胜，计险厄远近，上将之道也。如此而用战者必胜，不知此而用战者必败。
English: Advantages of terrain are exploited to...
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[edit]
Precious Generals
Original: 故战道必胜，主曰: 无战，必战可也；战道不胜，主曰: 必战，无战可也。故进不求名，退不避罪，唯民是保，而利于主，国之宝也。
English: If an assessment of the battle situations is one of...
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[edit]
Treating Troops
Original: 视卒如婴儿，故可与之赴深溪；视卒如爱子，故可与与之俱死。厚而不能使，爱而不能令，乱而不能治，譬如骄子，不可用也。
English: When the general regards his troops as...
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[edit]
Terrain & Victory
Original: 知吾卒之可以击，而不知敌之不可击，胜之半也；知敌之可击，而不知吾卒之不可以击，胜之半也；知敌之可击，知吾卒之可以击，而不知地形之不可以战，胜之半也。
English: If I know that my troops are capable of...
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[edit]
Generals Must Know the Terrain
Original: 故知兵者，动而不迷，举而不穷。故曰：知彼知已，胜乃不殆；知天知地，胜乃可全。
English: Thus, he who is adept at warfare, when...
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The Nine Battlegrounds,九地 is Chapter 11 of Sun Zi Art of War.
[edit]
What are the Nine Battlegrounds
Original: 孙子曰：用兵之法，有散地，有轻地，有争地，有交地，有衡地，有重地，有圮地，有围地，有死地。
English: Sun Zi said: In the deployment of troops, there is...
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[edit]
Nine Battlegrounds (I)
Original: 诸侯自战其地者，为散地。入人之地而不深者，为轻地。我得亦利，彼得亦利者，为争地。
English: When various warlords fight over the occupation of...
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[edit]
Nine Battlegrounds (II)
Original: 我可以往，彼可以来者，为交地。诸侯之地三属，先至而得天下之众者，为衢地。入人之地深，背城邑多者，为重地。
English: An area that is easily accessible to me and to the other side is ...
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[edit]
Nine Battlegrounds (III)
Original: 行山林、险阻、沮泽，凡难行之道者，为圯地。所由入者隘，所从旧者迂，彼寡可以击吾之众者，为围地。疾战则存，不疾战则亡者，为死地。
English: When an army is moving along forested mountains, dangerous mountain passes,...
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[edit]
What to Do at Battlegrounds
Original: 是故散地则无战，轻地则无止，争地则无攻， 交地则无绝，衢地则合交，重地则掠，圯地则行，围地则谋，死地则战。
English: Therefore, when on dispersive ground, do not...
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[edit]
Adept at Warfare Does
Original: 古之善用兵者，能使敌人前后不相及，众寡不相恃，贵贱不相救，上下不相收，卒离而不集，兵合而不齐。合于利而动，不合于利而止。
English: It is said that the skilful military strategists of the past were...
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[edit]
What to Do to An Army Superior in Numbers
Original: 敢问：“敌众整而将来，待之若何？” 曰： “先夺其所爱，则听矣。”
English: When I am asked: What can be done to an approaching enemy that is..
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[edit]
Speed is the Essence
Original: 兵之情主速，乘人之不及，由不虞之道，攻其所不戒也。
English: Speed is the essence in the use and...
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[edit]
Principles on Invading
Original: 凡为客之道：深入则专，主人不克；掠于饶野，三军足食；谨养而勿劳，并气积力；运兵计谋，为不可测。
English: The principles governing an invading force are as follows:...
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[edit]
Placing Troops in the Foreign Territory
Original: 投之无所往，死且不北，死焉不得，士人尽力。兵士甚陷则不惧，无所往则固，入深则拘，不得已则斗。是故其兵不修而戒，不求而得，不约而亲，不令而信，禁祥去疑，至死无所之。
English: Place your troops in positions where they cannot ...
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[edit]
When War is Declared
Original: 吾士无余财，非恶货也；无余命，非恶寿也。令发之日，士卒坐者涕霑襟，偃卧者涕交颐。投之无所往者，诸，刿之勇也。
English: My officers and men do not have excess wealth; but it is not...
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[edit]
Be Like Snake
Original: 故善用兵者，譬如率然。率然者，常山之蛇也。击其首则尾至， 击其尾则首至，击其中则首尾俱至。
English: Thus the army adept in warfare may be likened to...
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[edit]
How to Be Like Snake
Original: 敢问：“兵可使如率然乎?” 曰：“可。” 夫吴人与越人相恶也，当其同舟而济，遇风，其相救也，如左右手。是故方马埋轮，未足恃也。齐勇若一，政之道也；刚柔皆得，地之理也。故善用兵者，携手若使一人，不得已也。
English: When I am asked: Can the deployment of troops have...
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What the General Should Do
Original: 将军之事：静以幽、正以治。能愚士卒之耳目，使之无知。易其事、革其谋，使人无识； 易其居、遇其途，使人不得虑。帅与之期，如登高而去其梯。帅与之深入诸侯之地，而发其机，焚舟破釜；若驱群羊，驱而往，驱而来，莫知所之。聚三军之众，投之于险，此将军之事也。
English: The art of generalship is to be...
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Important Aspects General Need to Study
Original: 九地之变，屈伸之利，人情之双，不可不察也。
English: The variations and changes of the various types of ground, the advantages...
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Principles on Occupation
Original: 凡为客之道：深则专，浅则散。去国越境而师者，绝地也；四通者，衢地也；入深者，重地也；入浅者，轻地也；背固前隘者，围地也；无所注者，死地也。
English: The principle governing occupation of hostile territory is: When an army...
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When In Hostile Territory
Original: 是故散地，吾将一其志；轻地，吾将使之属；争地，吾将趋其后；交地，吾将谨其守；衢地，吾将固其结；重地，吾将继其食；圯地，否将进其途； 围地，吾将塞其阙；死地，否将示之以不活。
English: On dispersive ground, the general must...
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Intuitive Nature of Soldiers
Original: 故兵之情：围则御，不得已则斗，过则从。
English: It is intuitive nature of soldiers to...
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Principles of War
Original: 是故不知诸侯之谋者，不能预交；不知山林、险阻、沮泽之形者，不能行军；不用乡导者，不能得地利。
English: Thus, if the schemes and ploys of the neighbouring warlords are...
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How Hegemon Wins
Original: 四五者，一不知，非霸王之兵也。夫霸王之兵，伐大国，则其众不得聚；威加于敌，则其交不得合。是故不争天下之交，不养天下之权，信己之私，威加于敌，故其城可拔，其国可隳。
English: If one fails to understand and exploit even one of...
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In War Situation
Original: 施无法之赏，悬无政之令，犯三军之众，若使一人。犯之以事，勿告以言； 犯之以利，勿告以害。投之亡地然后存，陷之死地然后生。夫众陷于害，然后能为胜败。
English: In a war situation, bestows rewards that do not...
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Art of Warfare
Original: 故为兵之事，在于顺详敌之意，并敌一向，千里杀将，是谓巧能成事。
English: Thus the art of warfare is to pretend to...
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When Date of War is Decided
Original: 是故政举之日，夷关折符，无通其使；厉于廊庙之上，以诛其事。
English: Thus, when the date for war is decided upon, close...
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Be Coy then Swift
Original: 敌人开阖，必亟入之。先其所爱，微与之期。践墨随敌，以决战事。是故始知处女，敌人开户，后如脱免，敌不及拒。
English: When the enemy provides an opening, move in...
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Attacking with Fire,火攻 is Chapter 12 of Sun Zi Art of War.
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Ways of Attacking With Fire
Original: 孙子曰：凡火攻有五：一曰火人，二曰火积，三曰火辎，四曰火库，五曰火队。
English: Sun Zi said there are five ways to use fire to attack the enemy. The first way is...
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Necessary Conditions for Fire Attack
Original: 行火必有因，烟火必素具。发火有时，起火有日。时者，天之燥也。日者，月在箕、壁、翼、轸也。凡此四宿者，风起之日也。
English: To launch attacks by fire, one must possess the...
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How to Attack When Using Fire
Original: 凡火攻，必因五火之变而应之。火发于内，则早应之于外。火发而兵静者，待而勿攻。极其火力， 可从则从之，不可从则止。火可发于外，无待于内，以时发之。
English: In assaults by fire, one must use the...
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Wind & Fire
Original: 火发上风，无攻下风。昼风久，夜风止。
English: When fire is burning in the windward direction, do not...
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Water vs Fire
Original: 凡军必知五火之变，以数守之。故以火佐攻者明，以水佐攻者强。水可以绝，不可以夺。
English: The adept in warfare knows the five interchangeable methods of...
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Rulers & Generals
Original: 夫战胜攻取，而不修其功者凶，命曰费留。 故曰，明主虑之，良将修之。非利不动，非得不用，非危不战。
English: Now in warfare, those who are able to win battles and...
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Anger
Original: 主不可以怒而兴师，将不可以愠而致战。 合于利而动，不合于利而止。
English: A warlord must not embark on a military...
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Consequences of Anger
Original: 怒可以复喜，愠可以复悦。亡国不可以复存，死者不可以复生。
English: Anger can return to...
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Ensure Security of Nation
Original: 故明君慎之，良将警之；此安国全军之道也。
English: Thus an enlightened ruler must always be...
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Intelligence and Espionage,用间 is Chapter 13 of Sun Zi Art of War.
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Costs of War
Original: 孙子曰：凡兴师十万，出征千里，百姓之费，公家之奉，日费千金；内外骚动，怠于道路，不得操事者，七十万家。
English: Sun Zi said: Raising an army of 100,000 for a distant military campaign will...
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Why Intelligence
Original: 相守数年，以争一日之胜，而爱爵禄百金，不知敌之情者，不仁之至也， 非人之将也，非主之佐也，非胜之主也。故明君贤将，所以动而胜人，成功出于众者，先知也。
English: Two opposing armies may be at war with each other for...
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Where to Gather Intelligence
Original: 先知者不可取于鬼神，不可象于事，不可验于度，必取于人，知敌之情者也。
English: This foreknowledge cannot be obtained from...
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Types of Spies
Original: 故用间有五：有因间，有内间，有反间，有死间，有生间。五间俱起，莫知其道，是谓神纪，人君之宝也。
English: There are five kinds of secret agents that can be used. They are...
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Descriptions of Spies
Original: 因间者，因其乡人而用之。内间者， 因其官人而用之。反间者，因其敌间而用之。死间者，为谈事于外，令吾间知之，而传于敌间也。生间者，反报也。
English: Local agents are ordinary people recruited from...
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Relationship with Spies
Original: 故三军之事，莫亲于间，赏莫厚于间，事莫密于间。
English: Thus, among all military relationships, none can be...
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Who & Where to Use Spies
Original: 非圣智不能用间，非仁义不能使间，非微妙不能得间之实。 微哉微哉！无所不用间也。
English: Only those who are wise will be able to...
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When Espionage Activities Leak
Original: 间事未发而先闻者，间与所告者皆死。
English: When espionage activities and secret operations have been...
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Seeking Information
Original: 凡军之所欲击，城之所欲攻，人之所欲杀，必先知其守将、左右、谒者、门者、舍人之姓名，令吾间必素知之。
English: There may be army you wish to strike, cities you wish...
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Creating Double Agents
Original: 必素敌间之来间我者，因而利之，导而舍之，故反间可得而用也。
English: The secret agents of the enemy who are spying...
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Importance of Double Agents
Original: 因是而知之，故乡间、内间可得而使也； 因是而知之，故死间为诳事，可使告敌。因是而知之，故生间可使如期。五间之事，主必知之， 知之必在于反间，故反间不可不厚也。
English: It is through information gained from double agents that...
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Espionage & Victory
Original: 昔殷之兴也，伊挚在夏；周之兴也，吕牙在殷。故明君贤将，能以上智为间者，必成大功。此兵之要，三军所恃而动也。
English: In ancient times, the rise of the Shang Dynasty over the Xia Dynasty was because...
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