Sun Tzu
Quick footnotes of some of the following quotations. Take the first one for example: Thomas Friedman (like him or, as I will, lump him) finished a typical Friedmanesque editorial with the astute ” In that case, we will have to move to Plan B. Too bad we never really had Plan A.” Take the second one… destroy the village to save the village. Take the third quote… History is prologue. Take the fourth one: refresh your memory with three stupid words: “Bring It On”. Take the fifth quote: Maybe a cheap shot, but go ahead and google the term “Chicken-hawk.” Take the sixth quote: Did the powers that be even bother weighing into their considerations the consequence of shutting down that stupid newspaper?
#1: The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple where the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.
…………
#2: Do not interfere with an army that is returning home. When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.
……….
#3: If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.
………
#4: No leader should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no leader should fight a battle simply out of pique. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life. Hence the enlightened leader is heedful, and the good leader full of caution.
……….
#5: It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.
…………..
#6: Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical. If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are. Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content.
……………