Passage 1-12
兵者, 詭道也. 故能而示之不能, 用而示之不用, 近而視之遠, 遠而示之近.
Warfare is the Way of Deception. Therefore: - When capable, appear incapable - When active, appear inactive - When near, appear far - When far, appear near
The most quoted line in strategic history: "War is the Way of Deception" (兵者, 詭道也). The foundation of information warfare, misdirection, and strategic communication.
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These passages from other chapters connect to the themes in Passage 1-12:
Formlessness
Passage 6-9
故形人而我無形, 則我專而敵分. 我專爲一, 敵分爲十, 是...
Deception in Movement
Passage 7-8
故兵以詐立, 以利動, 以分合爲變者也.
Water as the Model
Passage 6-17
故形兵之極, 至於無形; 無形, 則深間不能窺, 智者不能謀...
Five Types of Spies
Passage 13-4
故用間有五: 有鄕間, 有內間, 有反間, 有死間, 有生間...
Sealing Enemy's Plans
Passage 11-36
先其所愛, 微與之期, 賤墨隨敵, 以決戰事. 是故始如處女...
Appear Where Unexpected
Passage 6-5
微乎微乎, 至於無形; 神乎神乎! 至於無聲, 故能爲敵之司...