Sun Tzu Decoded
Chapter 1 · Initial Assessments · 始計

Passage 1-11

計利以聽, 乃爲之勢, 以佐其外; 勢者, 因利而制權也.

Once advantages are assessed and my counsel accepted, create strategic momentum (shì) to support external operations. Momentum means exploiting favorable conditions to gain dominant position.

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These passages from other chapters connect to the themes in Passage 1-11:

The Crossbow Metaphor Passage 5-4 激水之疾, 至於漂石者, 勢也. 鷙鳥之疾, 至於毁折者, ... The Trigger Moment Passage 5-5 是故善戰者, 其勢險, 其節短. 勢如擴弩, 節如發機. Courage from Momentum Passage 5-7 亂生於治, 怯生於勇, 弱生於强. 治亂, 數也. 勇怯, ... Strategic Energy over Individuals Passage 5-9 故善戰者, 求之於勢, 不責於人, 故能擇人而任勢; Logs and Boulders Passage 5-10 任勢者, 其戰人也, 如轉木石, 木石之性, 安則靜, 危則... Releasing Momentum Passage 5-11 故善戰人之勢, 如轉圓石於千仞之山者, 勢也.

More from Chapter 1: Initial Assessments (始計)

Passage 1-1: Sun Tzu said: War is a matter of vital importance to the state—the province of l... Passage 1-2: Therefore, analyze it through five fundamental factors, compare conditions throu... Passage 1-3: The Way means bringing the people into complete accord with their ruler, so they... Passage 1-4: Heaven encompasses yin and yang, cold and heat, the cycle of seasons and times.... Passage 1-5: Earth comprises distances near and far, terrain treacherous or accessible, expan... Passage 1-6: Command embodies the five virtues of a general: wisdom, credibility, benevolence... Passage 1-7: Doctrine encompasses organizational structure, chain of command, and logistics m... Passage 1-8: All generals have heard of these five factors. Those who master them will prevai... Passage 1-9: Therefore, assess and compare by means of seven calculations to determine the tr... Passage 1-10: If a ruler heeds my strategies and employs me, victory is certain—I shall stay. ... Passage 1-12: Warfare is the Way of Deception. Therefore: - When capable, appear incapable - W... Passage 1-13: Entice with advantage, then strike when confusion reigns Where the enemy is soli... Passage 1-14: Strike where unprepared. Appear where unexpected. This is the strategist’s key t... Passage 1-15: Those who win in the temple calculations before battle have computed many advant...