Sun Tzu Decoded
Chapter 1 · Initial Assessments · 始計

Passage 1-3

道者, 令民與上同意也, 故可與之死, 可與之生, 而民不畏危也.

The Way means bringing the people into complete accord with their ruler, so they will follow him through death and life without fear of danger.

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These passages from other chapters connect to the themes in Passage 1-3:

Bind Them by Purpose Passage 11-21 夫吳人與越人相惡也, 當其同舟濟而遇風, 其相救也如左右手. Preserving the Whole Passage 3-1 孫子曰, 凡用兵之法, 全國爲上, 破國次之; 全軍爲上, ... Terrain as Ally Passage 10-14 故戰道必勝, 主曰無戰; 必戰可也. 戰道不勝, 主曰必戰,... Five Conditions of Victory Passage 3-12 故知勝有五: 知可以戰與不可以戰者勝. 識衆寡之用者勝. 上... The Five Elements of War Passage 4-10 善用兵者, 修道而保法, 故能爲勝敗之政. Surrounded: Use Stratagems Passage 11-17 是故, 其兵不修而戒, 不求而得, 不約而親, 不令而信, ...

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 1-4: 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 1-11: Once advantages are assessed and my counsel accepted, create strategic momentum ... 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...