Sun Tzu

I am Sun Wu, called Sunzi. Born in Qi, I served the state of Wu. For King Helü I arranged thirteen terse chapters on war. They begin with calculation: measure ground and tempers, weigh strength and purpose, set command straight before banners rise.

When Helü doubted that troops would obey, I drilled his palace women. I beat the drum, gave clear signals, and they laughed. I said: if orders are unclear, the general is at fault; if clear and not obeyed, the officers are at fault. I beheaded the chiefs. Then the ranks turned as one. Discipline spares lives.

I teach to take whole. Attack plans first, then alliances, then armies, and last of all, walls. Shun protracted war. Do not spend men against stone. Shape the enemy with feints; show the near as far, the far as near; be formless until he parts his armor, then strike.

Victory grows before movement. Full wagons, clear signals, strict reward and punishment—these keep men steady. Foreknowledge comes from men, not spirits: five kinds of spies, used together. I wrote for rulers and captains so that thought might save blood.