The Art of War Chapters 1-7 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are the Five Constant Factors?

Things to be taken into account in one's deliberations, when seeking to determine the conditions obtaining in the field.

How does Sun Tzu define Moral Law?

Causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by danger.

How does Sun Tzu define Heaven?

Signifies night and day, cold and heat, times and seasons.

How does Sun Tzu define Earth?

Comprises distances, great and small; danger and security; open ground and narrow passes; the chances of life and death. Signup and view all the answers

How does Sun Tzu define The Commander?

Stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness. Signup and view all the answers

How does Sun Tzu define By Method and Discipline?

The marshaling of the army in its proper subdivisions, the gradations of rank among the officers, the maintenance of the roads by which supplies may reach the army, and the control of military expenditure. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 7 Considerations to forecast victory or defeat?

(1) Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the moral law? (2) Which of the two generals has the most ability? (3) With who lie the advantages derived from heaven and earth? (4) On which side is Discipline most rigorously enforced? (5) Which army is the stronger? (6) On which side are the officers and men more highly trained? (7) In which army is there greater constancy in reward and punishment? Signup and view all the answers

What is all warfare based on?

Deception Signup and view all the answers

How does Sun Tzu define the forms of deception?

When able to attack, seem unable; When using forces, seem inactive; When near, make the enemy believe you are far away; When far away, make him believe you are near. Signup and view all the answers

If he is taking his ease...

give him no rest. Signup and view all the answers

Attack him where he is unprepared...

appear where you are unexpected. Signup and view all the answers

If he is secure at all points...

be prepared for him. Signup and view all the answers

If he is in superior strength...

evade him. Signup and view all the answers

In war, the great object should be...

victory, not lengthy campaigns. Signup and view all the answers

How does the skillful leader win?

He subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field. Signup and view all the answers

What is hobbling the army?

Commanding the army to advance or retreat, being ignorant of the fact that it cannot obey. Signup and view all the answers

What causes restlessness in the soldiers' minds?

Attempting to govern an army in the same way that he administers a kingdom, being ignorant of the conditions which obtain in an army. Signup and view all the answers

What shakes the confidence of the soldiers?

Employing the officers of his army without discrimination, through ignorance of the military principle of adaptation to circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Five essentials for victory?

(1) He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. (2) he will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces. (3) He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks. (4) He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared. (5) He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by his sovereign. Signup and view all the answers

How do the ancients define a clever fighter?

One who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease. Signup and view all the answers

His victories bring him...

neither reputation for wisdom nor credit for courage. Signup and view all the answers

How does the clever fighter win his battles?

He wins his battles by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated. Signup and view all the answers

When does the victorious strategist seek battle?

The victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won. Signup and view all the answers

How does the consummate leader control success?

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline. Signup and view all the answers

How is the control of a large force the same in principle as the control of a few men?

It is merely a question of dividing up their numbers. Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Five Constant Factors

Key considerations in military deliberations determining field conditions.
Important for strategizing and forecasting outcomes in warfare.

Moral Law

Ensures unity between the ruler and the people.
Fosters loyalty and courage, enabling followers to face danger without fear.

Heaven

Represents natural elements: night, day, cold, heat, and seasons.
Influences strategic planning based on environmental conditions.

Earth

Encompasses geographical factors: distances, risks, security, terrain types.
Impacts tactical advantages and decisions in military engagements.

The Commander

Embodies qualities vital for leadership: wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, strictness.
The effectiveness of a commander directly affects the army’s performance.

Method and Discipline

Involves organizational structure and hierarchy within the army.
Essential for maintaining effective supply lines and managing military expenditures.

Seven Considerations for Victory

Evaluates moral authority of sovereigns and abilities of generals.
Considers geographical advantages, discipline, strength, training, and consistency in rewards.

Foundation of Warfare

Based on the principle of deception.
Success achieved through strategic misdirection and illusion.

Forms of Deception

Techniques include feigning weakness, creating false impressions of movement, and misrepresentation of strength.

Engagement Strategy

Maintain pressure on an enemy at ease to prevent complacency.
Attack unexpectedly and prepare for adversaries' strengths.

Objective of War

Primary aim is achieving victory as opposed to prolonging military campaigns.

Skillful Leadership

Victory achieved through strategic intelligence rather than brute force.
Capturing cities and dethroning rivals with minimal conflict is ideal.

Army Management

Understanding capabilities of the army is crucial; orders must be appropriate to the situation.
Mistakes in leadership can lead to significant disarray and loss of morale.

Five Essentials for Victory

Knowledge of timing in battle decisions.
Ability to manage diverse forces effectively.
Unity of spirit among soldiers essential for cohesive action.
Preparedness to exploit enemy vulnerabilities.
Independence in decision-making from external interference.

Characteristics of a Clever Fighter

Achieves success with ease while minimizing risks.
True wisdom and courage recognized not through conquest but through strategic brilliance.

Certainty of Victory

Winning battles through flawless execution leads to inevitable triumph.
The victorious strategist anticipates and plans for victory before engagement.

Control of Forces

Effective leadership and management principles apply equally whether commanding large or small units.
Fundamental strategies remain consistent regardless of troop size.

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