1. The enemy's unconditional surrender
   Victory over aggression through understanding, which makes further conflict unnecessary
2. Capturing the enemy general before the battle
   Retiring from service without losing a single battle

"The Sun Tzu" stresses the importance of avoiding destructive action when possible. War is expensive, causes lasting suffering, deepens animosities and depletes resources. The best results are achieved without violence, i.e., the wisdom of nonaggression.

1. Earth
   Wind
2. Fire
   Water

The ideal state of the army in "The Sun Tzu" is to be like water. You must use the environment, avoid rigidity, withdraw when pursued, advance when the opportunity affords, so that the army can maintain its strength and chip away at its goal.

1. Weapons
   The power of the ruler
2. The battlefield
   A famous horse

Shih is the power of the commander—with a catch. "The Sun Tzu" emphasizes that the power of the commander, although real, is the product of a complex series of relationships. Understanding the ruler's shih means understanding the ideological, political, military and environmental variables that act upon them. When those elements change, shih also changes, like the pieces on a chessboard over the course of a game.

1. Clairvoyance
   Herbal tea
2. Vital energy
   The movement of the stars

Chi refers to the life force or vital energy that animates all living creatures. Since Chinese culture fails to draw a sharp distinction between spirit and material reality, chi occupies a type of gray zone for many Westerners. "The Sun Tzu" talks about chi as changing during the course of the day. "Morning chi is sharp, midday chi is lazy, evening chi is spent." "The Art of War" advises attacking when the enemy's chi weakens and avoiding attacking when strong.

1. The spy
   The diplomat
2. A group of soldiers
   A moment to take action

"The Sun Tzu," in typical Chinese style, is about constant change and one's perception of those changes. As a result, there lies an emphasis on taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. A "node" is such an opportunity, characterized by all the factors converging in one's favor.

1. Stamp it out right away.
   Let it resolve itself.
2. Create more chaos.
   Surrender

Like water, the commander must not fix on any one position, thereby protecting them from the threat of chaos. They should treat uncertainty as a friend, adjusting to the changing circumstances and allowing their form to change as necessary. The situation may worsen before it improves, but by focusing on the big picture, they can act at the precise moment the situation swings in their favor.

1. Meanness, strength, cunning, power
   Knowledge, trustworthiness, courage, strictness
2. Charisma, efficiency, candor, ruthlessness
   Technical ability, humor, family connections

Although it seems counterintuitive, "The Art of War" describes the ideal commander as gentle. This quality comes stems from the possession of a profound knowledge of themselves, which in turn leads to the other three qualities.

1. To crush the enemy completely
   To capture more territory
2. To preserve the people
   To get into the history books with some flashy maneuvers

The commander possesses a deep understanding of war and knows the importance of taking advantage of the dynamics at play. To the wise commander, going to war for personal gain or with an angry disposition will only invite disaster. According to Sun Tzu, the commander must always remind themselves their purpose is to preserve the people.

1. Lack of communication
   Political disagreements
2. Surrendering to aggression
   The desire for power

The ideal commander recognizes their own aggression but doesn't indulge it. By remaining calm and focused, the commander resists the temptation to give in to anger, thereby denying the enemy something to fight against. According to Sun Tzu, the commander should respond to aggression by creating space, which in turn relaxes the situation.

1. Hair
   Family
2. Lines of supply
   Perception of the world

The commander must avoid destructive action. By employing their knowledge of the environment, the commander can subtly shape the enemy's perceptions and guide them astray. As a result, the enemy may even believe they achieved a victory. This shouldn't bother the commander, however. If the commander understands the enemy's patterns of thought, they can identify the orthodox in their thinking and exploit it. According to Sun Tzu, demoralizing the enemy can be as effective as destroying them.

1. "My way or the highway"
   "Why can't we be friends?"
2. "Love it or leave it"
   "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth"

By shaping the ground, the commander can help the enemy see the world in their way. Rather than destroy the enemy's country, the commander can utilize their resources during battle, recruit from the enemy's population and secure a lasting victory.

1. Strategy, then alliances, then forces
   Forces, then strategy, then alliances
2. Alliances, then forces, then strategy
   Strategy, then forces, then alliances

Sun Tzu advises against attacking head-on, at least straight off the bat. Instead, the commander should first attempt to dismantle the enemy's strategy. Next, they should deconstruct alliances by breaking down their country's organization. As a last resort, the commander can engage the enemy's forces.

1. Anything the enemy doesn't expect
   Something in excess
2. A rare skill
   Different opinions

In "The Sun Tzu," the extraordinary is a tool harnessed through the formation of an accurate model of the enemy's perceptions and expectations. In this way, the extraordinary is a subjective quality. For example, in one instance, the extraordinary might be completely banal. But if the commander knows the blind spot in the enemy's worldview, it can be exploited—thus making it extraordinary.

1. Enemies
   Merit
2. Alliances
   Shih

Shih is the constantly shifting configuration of one's power. Like a spin doctor, the commander creates expectations and then, when useful, diverges from the perception of the possible or likely. In doing so, the commander can lead the enemy into traps and constantly win battles.

1. "One size fits all"
   "Break them down, build them up"
2. "Horses for courses"
   "The more the merrier"

Sun Tzu says that the commander should observe how power naturally arises in the world in certain ways. People have inherent strengths and weaknesses; the commander should recognize them and use them accordingly. By understanding these dynamics, the commander can excel.

1. To discourage the enemy from attacking
   To keep the enemy on their toes
2. To know the shape of the enemy
   To annoy the enemy

The commander should constantly test the enemy to see how they handle certain situations and respond to specific tactics. With an intimate knowledge of the enemy, the commander's strength multiplies exponentially.

1. A permanent residence and family
   A fixed position and identity
2. A bad temper and louche demeanor
   A hidden agenda and a lust for fame

According to Sun Tzu, the commander must possess a rare, subtle self-knowledge that remains unfixed. As a result, the enemy will then view the commander as an enigma, or the commander may not even be on their radar at all. In "The Sun Tzu," the commander is often the complete opposite of what they appear to be.

1. What goes around comes around.
   If you hold to a single point, you lose the power of the whole pattern.
2. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
   A bird in the hand is worth two in the nest.

"The Art of War" stresses the improvisation of the present moment. In the absence of a sure method or body of knowledge to guarantee success, one can learn the patterns before engaging. As a result, you can spot the opportunities and use them creatively.

1. The manifestation of collective will
   The logical extension of the state apparatus
2. The expression of the commander's strategy
   A stampeding herd

According to Sun Tzu, the army should serve as an extension of the leader's strategy. By constantly reenforcing bonds and remaining genuine, the commander creates a loyal group in the army. Thus, in this creation of mutual trust, the army can successfully execute the will of the commander.

1. 1
   2
2. 10
   5

There are five kinds of spies: the native spy, the inner spy, the turned spy, the dead spy and the living spy. When the commander uses all these together, they form a "spirit-like web."

1. Use the enemy's resources to feed and supply your army.
   Always attack at night.
2. Keep all your forces together.
   Divide your forces into small groups.

Let's face it: War is expensive. Quite practically, the book suggests using the enemy's resources to curb costs. If the commander can avoid the production and transport of all the necessary supplies, they can create a more dynamic force in the local environment. Without remaining frugal and strategic, war can easily impoverish a country.

1. Because war is complete chaos.
   Because they lie outside the sphere of most people's perception.
2. Because you had to be there to understand.
   Because the troops spread misinformation.

The commander should always utilize cunning tactics to avoid fighting or employ clandestine methods to subvert the enemy's plans. As a result, much of the action remains unnoticed, no one publicly takes credit for the defeats and, sometimes, the enemy has no idea they've even suffered.

1. You let the enemy have the advantage.
   You can eliminate the enemy.
2. You'll expose yourself to the enemy.
   You cannot be attacked.

In "The Art of War," Sun Tzu does not deem retreat dishonorable. Instead, he describes the withdrawal and disintegration of forces as an ordinary, necessary part of an ongoing battle. The text warns against the creation of plans based on what the enemy "might" do, instead admonishing would-be commanders to rely on their own preparedness. With a solid escape plan always on hand, even defeats can become victories.

1. All talk, no action
   Forces without leadership
2. Surrender
   Using your bow like a club

According to Sun Tzu, the bow unstrung is a wasted instrument. As an essential agent of the military, no army can succeed without a leader—no matter how strong the troops may be. The commander must lead so the army can follow. When this doesn't happen, chaos ensues.

1. A tall person
   A king of kings
2. A supernatural being
   A swear word

Sun Tzu composed "The Art of War" around roughly 300 B.C., when the Chinese states were still feudal territories controlled by kings. Sometimes, a king would attempt to wrangle a few kingdoms together and take charge of them. If these kings succeeded in their quest for domination, the public bequeathed them the honorary title of overlord.

1. "The better."
   "The more detailed your foreknowledge must be."
2. "The less extreme the result."
   "The more the enemy will be surprised."

The commander invites chaos when they undertake military actions. According to Sun Tzu, the commander must be prepared to deal with sustained period of chaos as well as anticipate the potential need to resolve it. Since according to the Sun Tzu, everything follows the general patterns of the Tao, the commander can anticipate the particularities that will arise from military action by studying the Tao carefully.

1. A battle that takes places during the day
   A battle that takes place on dry ground
2. A battle with horses
   A battle in enemy territory, but not too deep in enemy territory

"Light ground" opposes "heavy" ground, where the commander and their troops go deep inside enemy territory, surrounded by walled towns and fortifications. Another type of ground, "spread-out" ground, refers to rural areas like forests, swamps, mountains and narrow winding roads. Meanwhile, "junction" means a territory contested by three feudal lords.

1. Open, hung, stalled, narrow, steep, distant
   Turf, road, walkway, patio
2. Fire, earth, wind, water
   Snowy, wet, rocky, steep, narrow, desolate

"Open" means both sides can meet there, while "hung" means you can get there, but returning might be tricky. "Stalled" refers to when both sides show up, but neither likes their position, so they both back away awkwardly. "Narrow" means there's only room for one army —most of the time, whichever side secures it first controls it until the other side moves in. "Steep" means if you fail to arrive first and secure the high ground, don't bother. Finally, "distant" means the "shih" is equal for both sides.

1. The general being capable and the ruler not interfering is victory.
   The general is cunning and lies to their troops.
2. The officers are hungry for glory and sharpen their swords all night.
   The villagers are gleeful with the prospect of victory and prepare a feast.

According to Sun Tzu, the other four elements of victory include knowing when one can and cannot do battle, knowing the use of the many and the few, the superior and inferior desiring the same, and being prepared while awaiting the unprepared.

1. Chou Enlai
   Mao Zedong
2. Chiang Kai-Shek
   Puyi

Mao Zedong carried out a protracted guerrilla war in China, which eventually led to the establishment of the communist regime. For much of the campaign, the communists remained outgunned and outnumbered. They spent years on the run, retreating into remote parts of China again and again to convalesce and regroup. Mao Zedong claimed to have drawn inspiration from "The Art of War" and also made extensive use of it in his own writings on war.

1. That soldiers be informed of the plan beforehand
   That soldiers be kept in the dark about the plan beforehand
2. That the commander dictate his plans at the last minute
   That the officers only take the commander's orders as a loose guide

According to Sun Tzu, loyalty should be the troops' highest priority. Often, the commanders must keep their plans secret to avoid compromising them, which means that the troops must maintain the utmost trust and follow them wherever they guide them.

1. "Jumping off a cliff one after the other"
   "Falling backward into each other's arms"
2. "Taking them by the hand as if leading a single person"
   "Finishing each other's sentences"

According to Sun Tzu, each troop should possess an intimate knowledge of their leader and share a personal connection to them. That way, when the commander speaks or give orders, they can humanize and therefore sympathize with their position.

1. The Dragon Overlord
   The Yellow Emperor
2. The Celestial Charioteer
   The Panda

Besides inventing warfare, people maintain that The Yellow Emperor invented the calendar. They also dub him the common ancestor of all Chinese people. He possessed a cult of worship during the Han warring states period and remains a key mythological figure from pre-history.

1. Carb-loading
   Put your armor on the night before and sleep in it
2. Arrive first at the battlefield
   Color-code your uniforms

Sun Tzu says, "one skilled at battle summons others and is not summoned by them." When you arrive first, you gain the advantage and can shape the ground in your favor. As a result, you can offer real or imagined threats to move the enemy where you want, dictate their focus and muddle their attention.

1. Belongs to the commander
   Leaves no trace
2. Is the straw that breaks the camel's back
   Has to be seen to be believed

Take it from Sun Tzu: in war, being sneaky is good! Confirm other people's projections, even if they're wrong. Create a new reality to replace the one your enemy had before. Smoke and mirrors are your friends. If you're interested in seeing some of these principles in action, the classic Taiwanese film "Touch of Zen" and the Kurosawa film "The Seven Samurai" serve as excellent examples.