孫 子 兵 法 Sun Zi – The Art of War

Chinese strategy explained : know yourself and the ennemy, use deception, spies, and "win with ease". Tr. Giles (en, annotated) and Amiot (fr).

Introduction
I. Laying Plans
II. Waging War
III. Attack by Stratagem
IV. Tactical Dispositions

V. Energy
VI. Weak Points and Strong
VII. Maneuvering
VIII. Variation in Tactics
IX. The Army On The March

X. Terrain
XI. The Nine Situations
XII. The Attack By Fire
XIII. The Use of Spies

始計第一

Laying Plans

Ts`ao Kung, in defining the meaning of the Chinese for the title of this chapter, says it refers to the deliberations in the temple selected by the general for his temporary use, or as we should say, in his tent. See. ss. 26.

Sunzi I. 12.

不
可
先
傳
也

此
兵
家
之
勝

出
其
不
意

攻
其
無
備

親
而
離
之

佚
而
勞
之

卑
而
驕
之

怒
而
撓
之

強
而
避
之

實
而
備
之

亂
而
取
之

利
而
誘
之

Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.1

If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.

If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.2

If he is taking his ease, give him no rest.3 If his forces are united, separate them.4

Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.

1. All commentators, except Chang Yu, say, "When he is in disorder, crush him." It is more natural to suppose that Sun Tzu is still illustrating the uses of deception in war.

2. Wang Tzu, quoted by Tu Yu, says that the good tactician plays with his adversary as a cat plays with a mouse, first feigning weakness and immobility, and then suddenly pouncing upon him.

3. This is probably the meaning though Mei Yao-ch`en has the note: "while we are taking our ease, wait for the enemy to tire himself out." The YU LAN has "Lure him on and tire him out."

4. Less plausible is the interpretation favored by most of the commentators: "If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them."

Giles I.20-25.

Hâtez vos préparatifs lorsque vos adversaires se concentrent ; là où ils sont puissants, évitez-les. Plongez l'adversaire dans d'inextricables épreuves et prolongez son épuisement en vous tenant à distance ; veillez à fortifier vos alliances au-dehors, et à affermir vos positions au-dedans par une politique de soldats-paysans. Quel regret que de tout risquer en un seul combat, en négligeant la stratégie victorieuse, et faire dépendre le sort de vos armes d'une unique bataille ! Lorsque l'ennemi est uni, divisez-le ; et attaquez là où il n'est point préparé, en surgissant lorsqu'il ne vous attend point. Telles sont les clefs stratégiques de la victoire, mais prenez garde de ne point les engager par avance.

Amiot

Sun Zi I. 12.