771: Popular Romance of "The Art of War": 1. The Beginning of the Plan

At this point, Sun Wu's "The Art of War", Cao Cao's "Sun Tzu's Note" and various battle examples have been explained, and I hope that all soldiers can draw strategy and wisdom from them. Because "The Art of War" is respected by the world as the "Saint of War", "Martial Classics", and "Sacred Book of Soldiers", it has been valued by soldiers of all dynasties. Therefore, Sun Wu is also known as the 'martial saint', and the 'literary saint' Confucius. Although one of his "The Art of War" is a military work, its influence has completely exceeded the scope of military affairs. Politicians, diplomats, merchants, Buddhists, and Taoists all respected the Art of War, and applied the military strategy ideas in it to all corners of society.

Therefore, in order for us to better understand, master, and apply the "Art of War," I would like to explain the "Thirteen Chapters of Sun Tzu" in layman's course from beginning to end for all the officers and soldiers, so that the strategic and tactical ideas in it can truly arm our minds. ”

First, the beginning of the plan

Sun Tzu said: War is a major matter of the country, where life and death lie, and the key to survival.

Therefore, it is necessary to plan it from the following five aspects, compare the various situations of the enemy and us, and explore the situation of the war. One is the Tao, that is, politics; the second is the day, that is, the time of the day; the third is the land, that is, the geographical advantage; the fourth is the general, who is about to lead; The fifth is the law, that is, the law. The so-called Tao is to let the people agree with and support the will of the monarch, so that they can live for the monarch and die for the monarch without fear of danger. The so-called day refers to the changes of day and night, cold winter and heat, spring, summer, autumn and winter. The so-called land refers to the distance, danger, flatness, width and narrowness of the journey, and the pros and cons of the terrain on offense and defense. The so-called general refers to the commander's resourcefulness, integrity, benevolence, bravery, and strictness. The so-called law refers to the organization and establishment of the army, the management of generals, and the control of military supplies. The generals cannot be ignorant of all these five aspects. If you know these things well, you can win the war, and you can't win the war without knowing them. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the situation of the war by comparing the situation of the two sides. That is, which side of the monarch is politically enlightened? Which side is more talented? Which side has the right time and place? Which side of the law will be enforced? Which side is better armed? Which side is well-trained? Which side rewards and punishes fairly? Based on that, I can judge who wins and who loses.

If you listen to my plan, and the battle will be won, I will stay; If you don't listen to my plan, the battle will fail, and I'll leave.

The analysis of the benefits and disadvantages has been adopted, and then it is necessary to create a favorable situation as an external auxiliary condition. The so-called favorable situation means that we should flexibly change things and seize the initiative in combat in accordance with the principle of benefiting ourselves.

Fighting with soldiers is a trick of deceit. Therefore, they can fight but pretend that they can't; I want to fight but pretend not to fight; He clearly attacked from a near place, but pretended to attack from a distance; He was about to attack the distance, but he pretended to attack the close. When the enemy is greedy for profit, he entices him; When the enemy is confused, they take advantage of the opportunity to attack him; If the enemy is strong, guard against him; If the enemy is strong, it is necessary to temporarily avoid its edge (blank); If the enemy is angry, he will destroy his spirit. If the enemy is cowardly and prudent, he will be arrogant; When the enemy is well rested, he tries to tire him out; The enemy is united within and tries to divide him. Attack where the enemy is unsuspecting, and act when the enemy is not expecting it. All these are the mysteries of the art of military command, and they cannot be rigidly prescribed in advance.

Victory was expected before the war began because of careful planning and sufficient conditions for victory; Victory was expected before the war began because of poor planning and insufficient conditions for victory. Careful planning and conditions can win; If you don't plan well and lack the conditions, you can't win, let alone if you don't plan and have no conditions? If we look at these things, then the difference between victory and defeat will be obvious.