Sun Tzu Decoded
Chapter 1 · Initial Assessments · 始計

Passage 1-8

凡此五者, 將莫不聞, 知之者勝, 不知者不勝.

All generals have heard of these five factors. Those who master them will prevail; those who do not will fail.

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These passages from other chapters connect to the themes in Passage 1-8:

Subduing Without Battle Passage 3-7 故善用兵者, 屈人之兵而非戰也; 拔人之城而非攻也; 毁人之... The General as Guardian Passage 2-12 故兵貴勝, 不貴久. 故知兵之將, 民之司命, 國家安危之主... The Skillful Strategist Passage 3-6 將不勝其忿, 而蟻附之, 殺士三分之一, 而城不拔者, 此攻... The Three Interferences Passage 3-10 夫將者, 國之輔也, 輔周則國必强, 輔隙則國必弱. Sovereign and General Passage 3-11 故君之所以患於軍者三: 不知軍之不可以進, 而謂之進; 不知... Five Dangerous Traits Passage 8-8 故用兵之法, 無恃其不來, 恃吾有以待也; 無恃其不攻, 恃...

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 1-9: 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...