Искусство войны. Уровень 2 / The Art of War

В These are: (1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline.

5, 6. The Moral Law causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him and die for him no matter what.

7.В Heaven signifies night and day, cold and heat, times and seasons.

8.В Earth includes distances, great and small; danger and security; open ground and narrow passes; the chances of life and death.

9.В The Commander stands for wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage and strictness.

10.В Method and discipline are for proper marshaling of the army, the gradations of rank among the officers, the wellness of roads, by which supplies may reach the army, and the control pf military money.

11.В Every general should know these five heads. If a general knows them, he will be victorious and not fail.

12.В When trying to understand the military conditions, always ask yourself:

13. (1) Which of the two rulers is in chord with the Moral law?

(2) Which of the two generals is the most powerful?

(3) Which of the two generals has more nature resources?

(4) On which side is discipline most strictly followed?

(5) Which army is the stronger?

(6) On which side the discipline is the strongest?

(7) In which army is there the fairest punishment and reward?

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15.В The general that follows my advice will conquer: let such a one be in command! The general who does not follow my advice will suffer defeat: let such a one be fired!

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17. One should change one’s plan according to circumstances if needed.

18.В All warfare is based on trickery.

19. Hence[2 - hence – таким образом], 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.

20.В Use baits to attract the enemy. Pretend disorder, and crush him.

21.В If he is weak at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, avoid him.

22.В If your enemy is of choleric temper, derange him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

23.В If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.

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