Sun Tzu - El Arte de la Guerra (Audiolibro Completo en Español con Música) "Voz Real Humana"

Sun Tzu, El Arte de la Guerra

"El Arte de la Guerra" is considered the best book on strategy of all time.
It has inspired historical figures such as Napoleon, Machiavelli, and Mao Tse Tung.

"El arte de la guerra es el mejor libro de estrategia de todos los tiempos. Inspiró a Napoleón, Maquiavelo, Mao Tse Tung y muchas más figuras históricas."

Importancia y Vigencia del Libro

Despite being a 2,500-year-old text, "El Arte de la Guerra" is still relevant today.
None of its principles are outdated.
The book offers insights and solutions for understanding and resolving conflicts.

"Este libro de 2.500 años de antigüedad es uno de los más importantes textos clásicos chinos. Ninguna de sus máximas ha quedado anticuada ni hay un solo consejo que hoy no sea útil. Es una obra para comprender las raíces de un conflicto y buscar una solución."

El Arte de la Guerra y la Estrategia Humana

Sun Tzu's work is not just a military practice book.
It is a treaty that teaches the supreme strategy of applying knowledge of human nature during confrontations.
The book is about understanding the roots of a conflict and seeking non-combat solutions.
The best victory is to win without fighting.

"Pero la obra de Sun Tzu no es únicamente un libro de práctica militar, sino un tratado que enseña la estrategia suprema de aplicar con sabiduría el conocimiento de la naturaleza humana en los momentos de confrontación. No es por tanto un libro sobre la guerra, es una obra para comprender las raíces de un conflicto y buscar una solución. La mejor victoria es vencer sin combatir."

Los 13 Apartados Fundamentales

The book is divided into 13 fundamental sections covering various aspects of strategy and warfare.

"Existen en esta obra 13 apartados fundamentales."

Consideration of the Situation

In warfare, it is important to take into account the situation of the battlefield.
Actions should be based on what is advantageous in the given situation.
The art of war is based on deception.

"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."

The Art of War Strategies

The best generals are those who can make the enemy surrender without even fighting.
Superior warriors attack while the enemy is still making plans and disrupt their alliances and relationships.
A good general does not fight with bare swords, and besieging or attacking a city should be a last resort.

"The worst tactic is to attack a city. It is preferable to besiege it. Do not attack a walled city if it can be avoided."

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Victory should be anticipated and planned for, rather than relying on luck or the outcome of a battle
True skill lies in being able to perceive the subtle and hidden aspects of warfare
The goal is to achieve victory in a way that doesn't require using excessive force or resorting to battle
Wisdom is not something that is known by everyone
Battling an easy opponent does not demonstrate intelligence or bravery
True victories come from positioning oneself in a position of power before engaging in battle

"Preveer la victoria cuando cualquiera la puede conocer no constituye verdadera destreza."

The Importance of Strategy

The use of strategy and planning is crucial in warfare
Good warriors assess the terrain, observe the laws, and govern with integrity
Utilizing harmony to dissipate opposition and not attacking innocent parties are important principles
The path to victory involves following the rules and laws
Discipline, trust, and well-established rewards and punishments are key to a successful army

"Los que utilizan bien las armas cultivan el camino y observan las leyes."

The Five Factors of Military Rules

The five factors of military rules are measurement, estimation, calculation, comparison, and victory
The dimensions of a battle determine the outcome

"Las reglas militares son 5: medición, valoración, cálculo, comparación y victoria."

The Importance of Firmness

Strength can be perceived and manipulated to gain victory without exerting physical force
Dividing and organizing groups can help in battling against larger numbers
Perception of strength and symbols play a role in influencing the opponent
Orthodox and heterodox methods should be employed to ensure success

"La fuerza es la energía acumulada o la que se percibe."

Faking disorder and weakness

Faking disorder and cowardice requires first organizing order and being extremely brave.
Faking weakness and inducing arrogance in enemies requires being extremely strong first.

"If you want to deceive your adversaries, create artificial disorder by first organizing order. If you want to deceive them by feigning weakness, be extremely strong first."

Order and disorder in battle

Order and disorder depend on organization, while cowardice and weakness depend on bravery and strength.
A strong army can make even the timid appear courageous, while a weak army can make even the brave appear timid.
The laws of war are not fixed, and they develop based on momentum.

"The laws of war develop on the basis of momentum. With astuteness, you can anticipate and make adversaries believe how to proceed and move. This helps to lead enemies into traps."

The power of momentum

Skilled warriors seek effectiveness in battle through the power of momentum, perception, and not just relying on the strength of their soldiers.
They know how to choose and deploy the best people and allow momentum to achieve their objectives.

"Good warriors seek battle effectiveness from the force of momentum and perception. They do not solely rely on the strength of their soldiers. They can select the best people, deploy them appropriately, and let the force of momentum achieve their objectives."

The art of empty and full

Those who anticipate and prepare first have the advantage over those who improvise and engage in battle.
Good warriors make the enemy come to them and never allow themselves to be drawn out of their stronghold.

"Those who anticipate and prepare first have the advantage over those who improvise and engage in battle. Good warriors make the enemy come to them and never allow themselves to be drawn out of their stronghold."

Exploiting weaknesses and confusion

To direct the destiny of adversaries, be extremely subtle and discreet, like having no form at all.
By being mysterious and confidential, opponents become insecure and their intelligence becomes useless.
Exploit the adversaries' weaknesses and confuse them by creating false clues.

"Be extremely subtle and discreet, to the point of having no form at all. Be completely mysterious and confidential, to the point of being silent. In this way, you can direct the destiny of your adversaries."

Tactics of attack and defense

Advance by attacking the enemy's weak points and retreat evasively to be faster than them.
Seek situations in speed and move like lightning to make it impossible for adversaries to defeat you.

"Advance by attacking the enemy's weak points and retreat evasively to be faster than them. Seek situations in speed, arrive like the wind, move like lightning, and adversaries will not be able to overcome you."

Concealing Information for Advantage

When you are heavily fortified, you should not reveal any information about your forces.
Prevent the enemy from knowing where you will engage in battle.
By concealing your battle plans, you can attack and conquer relentlessly.
Establishing numerous outposts and guarding them with small units disorients the enemy.
By keeping the enemy unaware of your intentions, you can exploit their weaknesses.

"No han de conocer donde piensas librar la batalla...ataca y conquista de manera incontenible."

Exploiting Weaknesses in Enemy Formations

The enemy's vanguard will be prepared while its rear will be vulnerable.
When the enemy's rear is ready, its vanguard will have weak points.
Focusing preparations on one flank weakens the other.
By spreading your troops, you force the enemy to defend themselves.
Exploiting the enemy's weaknesses leaves them in a weakened state.

"Cuando su retaguardia está preparada, su vanguardia presenta puntos débiles...las preparaciones por todas partes significan ser vulnerable por todas partes."

Bewilder and Observe the Enemy

Confuse and disrupt the enemy to learn their strategies.
Incite action to discover their overall plan and rest.
Engage the enemy in order to attract and study their attack and defense patterns.
Induce the enemy to adopt specific formations to identify their vulnerabilities.
Observe the enemy's responses and act accordingly to determine life or death situations.

"Prueba los para averiguar sus puntos fuertes y sus puntos débiles...saber qué clase de situaciones significan vida y cuáles significan muerte."

Operating without a Predictable Formation

The final goal is to operate without an identifiable formation.
By avoiding a clear shape, you deny the enemy the ability to uncover your strategy.
Operating without a discernible pattern makes it difficult for informants to gather useful information.
Leaving no tracks to follow hinders the enemy's planning.
Victory through precise formations should remain unknown to the enemy.

"Una vez que no tienes forma perceptible, no dejas huellas que puedan ser seguidas... los informadores no encuentran ninguna grieta por donde mirar."

Adapting to the Enemy

Victory adapts its form continually, not repeating previous strategies.
Success lies in constantly determining appropriate changes.
Victory does not follow a consistent pattern, just like water's ever-changing nature.
The ability to modify and adapt according to the enemy is called genius.

"La victoria en la guerra no es repetitiva sino que adapta su forma continuamente... se llama genio a la capacidad de obtener la victoria cambiando y adaptándose según el enemigo."

Direct and Indirect Confrontation

The usual approach is for the military to receive orders from civilian authorities and gather troops.
Direct confrontation, fighting face to face, is the most difficult aspect of warfare.
The challenge lies in bridging long distances and turning difficulties into advantages.
Give the appearance of being far away while actually reaching the destination before the enemy.
Engage the enemy in combat by attracting them with the hope of victory.

"La regla ordinaria para el uso del ejército es que el mando del ejército reciba órdenes de las autoridades civiles... luchar con otros cara a cara para conseguir ventajas es lo más arduo del mundo."

Importance of Knowing the Enemy's Plans and the Terrain

Ignorance of the enemy's plans hinders alliances.
Knowledge of the terrain is crucial for maneuvering and leveraging its advantages.

"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."

Strategy, Mobilization, and Adaptation

A military force is used according to planned strategy, mobilized through the hope of reward, and adapted through division and combination.
Swift movement, like the wind, can surprise the enemy, while stillness and patience can confound them.

"The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom."

Dividing and Combining Forces

Dividing forces is useful for exploiting resources in areas where supplies are limited.
Dividing the spoils of war prevents the enemy from regaining what has been gained.

"Everything is governed by one principle: divide and rule."

Estimating and Taking Action

Acting with knowledge and estimation of distance is key in military operations.
The one who takes the first move is the guest, while the one who takes the last move is the host.

"Those who do not know the art of making the right estimate may be defeated."

Symbols, Signals, and Unity

Symbols, drums, flags, and banners are used to unify and direct soldiers' attention.
It is important to confuse the enemy's perceptions through various signals.

"Order is born of the one thing that is not ordered. Tao."

Domination through Adaptation and Energy

Mastery comes from being firm in one's own heart and being adaptable and calm in the face of chaos.
Dominating the enemy can be achieved by utilizing their energy and weaknesses.

"He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious."

Avoiding Confrontation and Exploiting Weaknesses

Avoid fighting against a superior force and attacking from unfavorable positions.
Take advantage of the enemy's weaknesses and tempt them into unfavorable situations.

"The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities."

Consuming Enemy Provisions and Handling Desperate Enemies

Soldiers should not consume the food of their enemies' army
Before eating any provisions abandoned by the enemy, they should be tested for poison
It is not wise to halt an army that is on its way back to its own country
When an adversary is surrounded, it is important to give them an escape route, as desperate enemies will fight to the death
Showing a way to save their lives will make them less willing to fight to the death, allowing you to take advantage and attack them
Pressuring a desperate enemy is futile, as exhausted animals, including humans, will keep fighting

"Do not detest an enemy driven to desperation. An exhausted animal will still fight - such is the law of nature."

The Laws of Military Operations and Adaptability

Military operations are generally under the control of the civilian ruler to direct the army
A general should not set up camp in difficult terrain but allow for diplomatic relations on the borders
Avoid staying in arid or isolated territories
In closed or confined terrain, prepare a strategy and make a move
When in a deadly terrain, engage in combat
Closed terrain refers to areas surrounded by steep slopes, making it easier for the enemy to move freely
Every route should be studied to determine the best course, as some routes should be avoided
There are armies that should not be attacked, cities that should not be besieged, terrains where one should not fight, and orders from civilian rulers that should not be obeyed
Generals who understand the variables of the terrain can exploit them to their advantage, while those who do not adapt proficiently cannot take advantage of the terrain, even if they are in command of armies and understand the conditions
The ability to adjust the campaign and change tactics according to the force's momentum allows the advantage to remain constant, to the detriment of the enemy
Understanding this principle fully allows one to make soldiers act in the best possible manner

"Herewith, I instruct you on the laws of military operations. Adaptability is the key to success."

Evaluating Benefits and Harms, and the Role of Danger and Chaos

Intelligent individuals consider objectively analyzing benefits and harms
Actions should expand when considering benefits and seek resolution for potential problems when considering harms
Benefits and harms are interdependent, and wise individuals take them into account
What restrains adversaries is harm, what keeps them busy is action, and what motivates them is benefit
Tire out your enemies by keeping them occupied and not allowing them to breathe
However, before achieving this, it is necessary to first develop a strong army, a prosperous people, a harmonious society, and an orderly way of living

"What restrains your enemies is harm; what keeps them occupied is action."

Traits of Generals and the Distribution of Resources

There are five traits that are dangerous in generals: willingness to die, desire to preserve one's life, irrational passions, lack of principles, and compassion
The compassionate will rush to the aid of inhabitants if one presents themselves in a place where enemies will surely rush to defend
These traits are defects in the generals and can be disastrous for military operations
Good generals are committed to death, but do not rely on hope of survival. They act according to rational and realistic circumstances, free from emotions and confusion, seizing opportunities when they arise

"Good generals are committed to death without seeking to preserve their lives. Their actions are based on rational judgment."

Mobility and Effectiveness: Maneuvering the Army

Military maneuvers are the result of plans and strategies to gain advantages, determining the mobility and effectiveness of troops
When placing your army in a position to observe the enemy, quickly traverse the mountains and monitor them from a valley
Consider the effects of light and maintain the highest position in the battlefield when fighting on a mountain. Attack from top to bottom, not the other way around
Combat from a downhill position, never uphill
Avoid letting water hinder your forces and move away from unfavorable conditions as soon as possible
Do not engage enemies in the water. Instead, let half of their troops pass, then divide and attack them
Do not position yourself downstream; do not walk against the current or wind
When camping by a river, your markings should not be tied downstream to prevent the enemy from using the current against you
If crossing swamps, do so quickly, and if facing an army amidst a swamp, stay close to aquatic plants or backed by trees
On a plain, take positions that allow for easy maneuverability, keeping the higher ground behind and to the right, and the lower parts in front
Generally, an army prefers elevated terrain and avoids lower ground. Light is appreciated, and darkness detested

"Generals generally prefer high ground and avoid low ground. They admire light and detest darkness."

Acquiring the strength of momentum

Take care of the physical health of your soldiers.
Use the best available resources to maintain their health.

"When there is no illness in an army, it is said to be invincible."

Utilizing advantageous terrain

Position yourself on the sunny side of hills and mounds, always keeping them to your right and behind you.
Occupying the best part of the terrain gives military forces an advantage.

"The advantage in military operations lies in taking advantage of all beneficial factors of the terrain."

Revealing enemy movements through natural signs

Pay attention to natural signs such as trees moving or obstacles in the bushes, as they may indicate the enemy's presence.
Birds taking flight or animals being alarmed can also signal the presence of enemy troops.

"If the trees move, it means the enemy is approaching. If there are obstacles among the bushes, it means you have taken a wrong path."

Interpreting enemy behavior

The enemy's behavior can provide insight into their intentions.
If the enemy remains calm but is in a strong position, they are likely waiting for you to advance.
If the enemy is far away but provoking hostilities, it means their position is accessible and favorable for them.

"When he is far off and provokes hostilities, he is expecting you to advance; if his position is easily accessible, it is favorable for him."

Signs of enemy weakness

Signs such as soldiers leaning on each other indicate hunger, while water carriers drinking first may suggest thirst among the troops.
If the enemy squanders an advantage or fails to take advantage of a favorable situation, it may indicate exhaustion.

"If they kill their horses for meat, it means the soldiers lack provisions. When they don't return to their camp without their cooking pots, they are in desperate straits."

"When their soldiers are restless and murmuring, they have lost their loyalty."

The Importance of Strategy and Preparation

Being superior in forces is not necessarily more beneficial.
Avoid unnecessary violence.

"Insufficient to consolidate your power is making estimates about the enemy and being able to gather troops, that's all. The enemy who acts in isolation, lacks strategy, and underestimates their adversaries will inevitably be defeated."

The Strategy of Withdrawal

A plan must include a strategy for retreat after an attack.
Relying solely on the strength of soldiers and underestimating adversaries can lead to capture.

"If your plan does not contain a strategy for retreat after the attack and you exclusively rely on the strength of your soldiers and underestimate your adversaries, without evaluating their condition, you will undoubtedly be taken prisoner."

Disciplinary Measures and Unity

Soldiers must be led through civilized means and unified through martial arts.
The balance of humanity and regimentation ensures victory.

"Direct them through civilized means and unify them through martial arts. This means continuous victory. Civilized art means humanity, and martial arts mean regulations. Command them with humanity and benevolence; unify them strictly and firmly. When benevolence and firmness are evident, one can be sure of victory."

The Significance of Clear Orders

Clear, simple, and consistent orders that troops accept.
Confusing and contradictory orders hinder soldiers' understanding and acceptance.

"When orders are given in a clear, simple, and consistent manner to the troops, they accept them. When orders are confusing, contradictory, and constantly changing, troops do not accept or understand them."

Understanding Different Types of Terrain

Accessibility, difficulty, neutrality, narrowness, ruggedness, and openness of terrain.
The strategic advantage of occupying favorable terrain.

"Some terrain is easy, others difficult; some neutral, others narrow, rugged, or open. When the terrain is accessible, be the first to establish your position by choosing sunny heights that are suitable for transportation of supplies. This will give you an advantage in the battle."

Using Terrain to Your Advantage

Seizing and holding favorable terrain.
Retreating when faced with difficult terrain.

"In difficult terrain, if you are the first to arrive, you should occupy high and sunny points and wait for the opponent. If they have already occupied those points, withdraw and do not pursue them. In open terrain, the force of impetus is equal and it is difficult to provoke an unfavorable battle for the opponent."

The Responsibilities of Generals

Understanding the configuration of the terrain is crucial for generals.
Failure to understand and consider the terrain leads to defeat.

"The configuration of the terrain can support the army. For military leaders, understanding the course of appropriate action and accurately assessing the adversary ensures victory. Ignoring these elements leads to defeat."

Factors Leading to Defeat

Failure to assess the enemy's strength.
Lack of clear reward and punishment system.
Insufficient training and irrational passion.
Inefficacy of law and order.
Failure to select strong and resolute soldiers.

"The generals who are defeated are those who cannot assess the adversaries, enter the battle with forces superior in number or better equipped, and do not select their troops based on their preparedness. These are the six ways to be defeated."

"The understanding of these situations is the supreme responsibility of generals, and they must be considered. The first is not assessing the number of forces. The second is the absence of a clear system of rewards and punishments. The third is insufficient training. The fourth is irrational passion. The fifth is the inefficacy of the law of order. And the sixth is the failure to select strong and resolute soldiers."

Importance of caring for soldiers

The lives of the population and the benefit of the government depend on the usefulness and well-being of the soldiers
Soldiers should be treated with care and respect, just like one would care for their own children
If soldiers are well-cared for, they will be willing to follow their leader even in the most difficult situations
However, if soldiers are treated with excessive kindness or lack discipline, they will become spoiled and ineffective

"Care for your soldiers as you care for your own children, and they will willingly give their lives for you."

The importance of balance in rewards and punishments

Neither rewards nor punishments should be used in isolation
Over-reliance on rewards makes troops become complacent, while over-reliance on punishments leads to bitterness and ineffectiveness
Effective leadership requires a balanced approach, using both rewards and punishments appropriately

"Rewards should not be used alone, nor should reliance solely be placed on punishments."

The importance of knowing oneself and the enemy

Knowing the capabilities of one's own soldiers and the vulnerability of the enemy is essential in warfare
If one is aware of the enemy's vulnerability but unsure of their own troops' capabilities, the chances of victory are only half
Similarly, if one knows their troops' capabilities but is unaware of the enemy's vulnerability, the chances of victory are also only half
It is crucial to have knowledge of both oneself and the enemy in order to maximize the chances of success

"Know yourself and know your enemy, and victory will not be in danger."

The nine types of terrain in military operations

According to the laws of military operations, there are nine types of terrain
The types of terrain include dispersion, light, key, inevitable, communication, intersection, difficult, unfavorable, and mortal
Each type of terrain presents its own challenges and requires different approaches

"In military operations, there are nine types of terrain, each with its own characteristics and strategies."

Strategies for dealing with different types of terrain

Different strategies should be employed depending on the type of terrain encountered
In terrain of dispersion, unity is important, and troops should avoid becoming scattered
In light terrain, caution is necessary, as troops are still vulnerable and not fully prepared for battle
In key terrain, it is essential to be the first to occupy it in order to gain an advantage
Communication terrain requires establishing and maintaining effective communication routes
Intersection terrain is strategically important as it provides access for multiple parties
Difficult terrain poses challenges for retreat, and troops should be prepared and well-supplied
Unfavorable terrain restricts movement and can be exploited by a smaller enemy force
Mortal terrain is extremely dangerous and requires quick action and adaptation

"In different types of terrain, different strategies must be employed to ensure success."

Sun Tzu's Strategies

Sun Tzu advises selecting fertile fields and ensuring troops have enough food.
Taking care of the soldiers' health and preventing fatigue increases their strength.
The movements of troops and the preparation of plans should be unfathomable.

"Consolidate the enthusiastic energy of your troops, keeping your remaining forces secret and your plans inscrutable."

Exploiting Vulnerabilities

Positioning troops in a location with no escape ensures they fight to the death rather than surrender.
Soldiers give their best when faced with grave danger and lose fear when there is nowhere else to go.

"Warriors give their best when facing great danger. They lose their fear when there is no place to go."

Vigilant Soldiers

Sun Tzu emphasizes that soldiers should be alert without needing constant stimulation.
They remain dedicated and committed, holding their ground in difficult terrain or when there are no alternatives.

"Soldiers are vigilant without being ordered. They appear without being called. They are courageous without promises. Their trustworthiness requires no hierarchy."

Deception and Unpredictability

Avoiding doubts by prohibiting omens helps to ensure that soldiers remain loyal.
Creating confusion and uncertainty about one's intentions is a key strategy.
Changing plans and locations unpredictably allows for surprise attacks.

"You can win when nobody can understand your intentions at any moment."

Cooperation and Unity

Effective military operations rely on cohesion and unity within the troops.
A general should be calm, fair, and methodical in their command.
Soldiers should be kept uninformed and ignorant of plans, responding flexibly and supporting each other.
Changing circumstances and adapting to different terrains play a crucial role.

"The best organization is to allow soldiers to express their courage and maintain it consistently."

Exploiting the Terrain

The advantage of terrain can overcome the strength of adversaries.
Concentration or dispersion of troops depends on the characteristics of the terrain.
The behavior of invaders and defenders changes based on the type of terrain.

"The experts of military operations ensure the cooperation of troops as though they are one individual, carrying only one option."

Conclusion

Sun Tzu's "Art of War" provides valuable insights into effective military strategies, emphasizing the importance of deception, unity, and adapting to different circumstances and terrains. His teachings continue to be relevant in both military and non-military contexts.

"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting."

Establishing Alliances and Securing Supplies

Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of establishing solid alliances and securing continuous supplies, especially in difficult terrain.
A wise general ensures that his troops can quickly exit unfavorable terrain and would close the entrances of a surrounded area.
Soldiers tend to resist when surrounded, fight when there is no other option, and obey in extreme cases.

"The psychology of soldiers consists of resisting when they feel surrounded, fighting when avoidance is not possible, and obeying in extreme situations."

Ignorance of Enemy Plans and Terrain

Those who are ignorant of enemy plans cannot prepare alliances, and those who ignore the circumstances of the terrain cannot maneuver their forces effectively.
Knowledge of enemy plans, terrain, and using local guides are crucial for military success.

The Power of an Efficient Government

The military of an efficient government must be aware of all these factors, including enemy plans, terrain, and alliances.
When the army of an efficient government attacks a large territory, it becomes difficult for the enemy's population to unite.

Exploiting Enemy Weaknesses

If one can learn the enemy's plans, exploit the terrain, and manipulate the enemy's movements to make them vulnerable, even a large territory cannot assemble enough troops to stop the attacker.
By not fighting for alliances and not increasing the power of any country, but extending personal influence and threatening adversaries, the vulnerable positions of the enemy's country and cities are exposed.

"If you can learn the enemy's plans, exploit the terrain, and manipulate the enemy's movements to make them vulnerable, even a large territory cannot assemble enough troops to stop you."

Rewards and Motivation for Soldiers

Sun Tzu advises offering rewards that are not regulated and giving unusual orders to motivate soldiers.
Soldiers should be treated as a single unit and motivated with rewards. However, it is crucial not to reveal the potential damages to them.
By placing soldiers in potentially dire situations, they will fight to survive and, by extension, ensure victory.

"Handle soldiers as if they were one person, use them in real tasks but do not reveal your strategy to them, let them be unaware of the benefits that await them, but don't speak of potential harms. If the truth leaks, your strategy may sink."

Deceiving the Enemy and Maintaining Secrecy

Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of deceiving the enemy and maintaining secrecy from the planning stage.
When the enemy presents opportunities, seize them immediately. Understanding the enemy's intentions and anticipating their actions is vital.

"Deceive the enemy by adjusting to their intentions. At the beginning, you accommodate their intentions, and then you strike at their generals. This is called achieving the objective skillfully."

Five Types of Attacks using Fire

Sun Tzu describes five types of fire attacks: burning people, supplies, equipment, warehouses, and weapons.
The use of fire must be based on specific circumstances, such as dry and windy weather.
Fire can create confusion among the enemy troops, allowing for successful attacks.

"The use of fire is to create confusion among the enemy and then attack."

Timing and Strategy in Fire Attacks

It is crucial to observe the changes caused by fire. Attacks should be prepared when the fire is inside the enemy camp and soldiers are calm, or when the fire reaches its peak.
When the wind is blowing, it is ineffective to attack against its direction, as the enemy will fight to the death. Instead, wait for the wind to diminish.

"When the fire is inside the enemy camp, be prepared. If the soldiers remain calm when the fire breaks out, wait and do not attack. If the fire reaches its peak, follow it if you can, otherwise wait."

Adapting to Different Fire Attacks

Sun Tzu mentions the need for armies to adapt rationally to the variations of the five types of fire attacks.
Understanding how to attack with fire is not enough; knowledge of how to prevent being attacked with fire is also essential.
Water can be used to support an attack, dividing the enemy's army and strengthening one's own.

Wise Mobilization and Using Weapons Strategically

A government should only mobilize its army for significant reasons and not out of anger, while military leaders should not provoke wars out of rage.
Mobilization should only occur when there are benefits to be gained or dangers to be prevented.
Wise governance takes into account rewarding merit, avoiding unnecessary mobilization, and not risking a disastrous defeat.

"A wise government considers these factors, while a good military command rewards merit, does not mobilize troops without any advantages, does not act when there is nothing to gain, and avoids fighting when there is no danger."

The importance of information and intelligence in warfare

It is crucial for a government and its military leadership to pay attention to gathering and utilizing accurate information in order to keep the nation safe and maintain a strong army.
Failing to understand the situation of adversaries and neglecting to invest resources in researching and studying the opposition is a sign of poor leadership and can be detrimental to achieving victory.
Obtaining valuable information about the enemy's situation is essential for intelligent government and wise military command to outperform others and achieve extraordinary triumphs.

"Failing to know the situation of the adversaries, and to economize in approved expenses for investigating the opposition, is extremely inhumane and not typical of a good military chief, a government advisor, or a victorious leader."

The role and types of spies in warfare

Spies play a significant role in warfare and are categorized into five types: native spies, internal spies, double agents, expendable spies, and floating spies.
Native spies are recruited among the inhabitants of a locality, while internal spies are recruited among enemy officials.
Double agents are hired from enemy spies, expendable spies provide false information to the enemy, and floating spies return to attract reports.
It is essential for a ruler to be well-organized in managing spies, keeping their routes undisclosed, and applying their knowledge effectively.

"What enables the intelligent government and the wise military to conquer others and achieve extraordinary results is foreknowledge derived from the knowledge of spies."

Gathering information and utilizing spies effectively

Establishing contact with officials from the enemy's regime who can be bribed to gather information about their country and discover any plans against oneself is crucial.
Spies can also be used to create discord and disharmony among the enemy's forces.
Utilizing spies without treating them with humanity, justice, and cunning will not yield accurate information.
Spies are useful in all situations, and intelligence gathering is essential before engaging in any military operations.

"Spies, therefore, are essential in warfare; upon them the army relies to make its every move."

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