LAYING PLANS (ESTIMATES)

From Griffith's translation:

"The title means 'reckoning', 'plans', or 'calculations'. In the Seven Military Classics edition the title is 'Preliminary Calculations'. The subject first discussed is the process we define as an Estimate (or Appreciation) of the Situation."

Rational Analysis

"The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected."

From Griffith's commentary on Sun Tzu On War:

"The opening verse of Sun Tzu's classic is the basic clue to his philosophy. War is a grave concern of the state; it must be thoroughly studied. Here is recognition--and for the first time--that armed strife is not a transitory aberration but a recurrent conscious act and therefore susceptible to rational analysis."

Strategic Planning

"The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat; how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose."

From Griffith's Preface:

"Sun Tzu was convinced that careful planning based on sound information of the enemy would contribute to a speedy military decision."

Tactical Adaptation To Changing Circumstances

From Griffith's introductory commentary on Mao Tse-Tung's use of Sun Tzu:

"One of the most difficult problems which confronts any commander who has committed his forces in accordance with a well-developed plan is to alter this in the light of changing circumstances. Sun Tzu recognized the inherent difficulties, both intellectual and physical, and repeatedly emphasized that the nature of war is ceaseless change. For this reason operations require continuous review and readjustment."

Constant Factors

"The art of war is governed by five constant factors, all of which need to be taken into account. They are: the Moral Law; Heaven; Earth; the Commander; Method and discipline."

Ethical Conduct

"The Moral Law causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler..."

From Griffith's translation:

"Here Tao is translated 'moral influence'. It is usually rendered as 'The Way', or 'The Right Way'. Here it refers to the morality of government; specifically to that of a sovereign. If the sovereign governs justly, benevolently, and righteously, he follows the Right Path or the Right Way, and thus exerts a superior degree of moral influence."

Perception Of, And Adaptation To, Events Beyond Human Control
"Heaven signifies night and day, cold and heat, times and seasons."

From Griffith's translation:

"It is clear that the character t'ien (Heaven) is used in this verse in the sense of 'weather', as it is today."

"By weather I mean the interaction of natural forces; the effects of winter's cold and summer's heat and the conduct of military operations in accordance with the seasons."

Knowledge And Suitability Of Strategies And Tactics

"Earth comprises distances, great and small; danger and security; open ground and narrow passes; the chance of life and death."

From Griffith's translation:

"Mei Yao-ch'en:...When employing troops it is essential to know beforehand the conditions of the terrain. Knowing the distances, one can make use of an indirect or a direct plan. If he knows the degree of ease or difficulty of traversing the ground he can estimate the advantages of using infantry or cavalry. If he knows where the ground is constricted and where open he can calculate the size of force appropriate. If he knows where he will give battle he knows when to concentrate or divide his forces."

Competent Commander

"The Commander stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness."

From Griffith's translation:

"Tu Mu:... If wise, a commander is able to recognize changing circumstances and to act expediently. If sincere, his men will have no doubt of the certainty of rewards and punishments. If humane, he loves mankind, sympathizes with others, and appreciates their industry and toil. If courageous, he gains victory by seizing opportunity without hesitation. If strict, his troops are disciplined because they are in awe of him and are afraid of punishment."

Disciplined Organization

"By Method and discipline are to be understood the marshaling of the army in its proper subdivisions, the gradations of rank among the officers, the maintenance of roads by which supplies may reach the army, and the control of military expenditure."

Deception And "Shaping"

"All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him. If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected".

Avoidance Of Being Deceived And "Shaped"

Griffith's commentary on Sun Tzu On War:

"The same factors determine the 'shape' of the opposing armies. The prudent commander bases his plan on his antagonist's 'shape'. 'Shape him', Sun Tzu says. Continuously concerned with observing and probing his opponent, the wise general at the same time takes every possible measure designed to prevent the enemy from 'shaping' him."

"The wise general cannot be manipulated."

"His primary target is the mind of the opposing commander; the victorious situation, a product of his creative imagination. Sun Tzu realized that an indispensable preliminary to battle was to attack the mind of the enemy."

Go to Chapter 2.

Please visit myPostings Page (Thesis-Antithesis-Synthesis) and sign it!!!

Please feel free to send all comments and SUGGESTIONS (really appreciate) to me at the below email address.

© 1996 00225399@bigred.unl.edu

This site looks best with these browsers:

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page