Cryptocurrency Exchange - Detailed Explanation of "The Art of War" - Marching Chapter

Sun Tzu said:

All armies prefer high ground and dislike low ground; they value sunny places and avoid shady ones; they favor dry high ground and avoid damp lowlands; they keep their soldiers healthy and free from a hundred diseases, which leads to victory. When constructing embankments on hills, position them on the sunny side and keep the right flank; this is advantageous for soldiers and aided by the terrain. During rain, water splashes up, so wait until it subsides before crossing. In terrain with deep ravines, wells, prisons, snares, pits, or crevices, move quickly and do not linger; if you encounter the enemy in such marshy or treacherous areas, rely on water plants and trees for cover—these are the principles of deploying troops in such terrain. On open plains, station your troops on flat ground, with the right side supported by high ground and the front lower than the rear; this is the proper disposition for armies on plains. The advantages of these four types of terrain are the reasons why Huangdi defeated the Four Sovereigns.

Generally, armies prefer dry, high ground, avoiding damp depressions; they value sunny locations and avoid shady ones; they favor areas with water plants and dry high ground, which prevents diseases and ensures victory. On hills and embankments, station troops on the sunny side and support the right flank—this is the benefit of terrain and terrain’s aid. When it rains upstream, water and foam appear; wait until the foam settles before crossing. In terrain with features like “deep ravines,” “courtyards,” “prisons,” “nets,” “pits,” or “gaps,” move swiftly and leave quickly; do not approach. Keep your forces distant, and let the enemy approach; face the terrain, and have the enemy’s back to it. When marching, if encountering obstacles such as marshes, wells, reeds, or dense forests, proceed with caution—these are places where spies and ambushes may be hidden.

When the enemy approaches quietly, they rely on their terrain advantage; when they come from afar challenging you, they seek to lure you forward; if they settle in easy terrain, it benefits them; if many trees sway, they are coming; if dense grass obstructs vision, it is suspicious; if birds take flight, there are hidden soldiers; if wild animals are startled, an attack is imminent. Dust rising high and sharp indicates chariots; dust low and wide indicates infantry; scattered dust indicates soldiers dragging logs; dust rising and falling intermittently shows camp setup. When envoys are humble and prepare for battle, they intend to attack; when they speak strongly and advance their troops, they plan to retreat; light carts leading the formation are the front; negotiations without prior agreement suggest conspiracy; rapid advances and formations indicate an imminent decisive battle; partial advance and retreat are traps. When soldiers stand with weapons, they are hungry; those who fetch water and drink first are thirsty; those who see profit and do not advance are tired. Birds gathering overhead indicate emptiness; calls at night suggest fear; disorderly troops show a lack of discipline; flags fluttering indicate chaos; angry officers show fatigue; armies with grain, horses, and meat but no water containers are preparing to break out; persistent, cautious speech indicates a loss of morale; frequent rewards cause embarrassment; frequent punishments cause hardship; a leader who first abuses soldiers and then fears their rebellion is extremely foolish; envoys bearing gifts to negotiate seek peace; when angry enemies delay fighting and neither attack nor withdraw, their true intentions must be carefully examined.

Having many troops is not the key to victory; what matters is discipline, unity, accurate assessment of the enemy, and the ability to take prisoners. Only those who are unthinking and underestimate the enemy will be captured.

If soldiers are punished before they are loyal, they will resist; resistance makes them difficult to command. If soldiers are loyal but law and order are not enforced, they cannot be trusted. Therefore, govern with both culture and martial discipline—this is the way to ensure victory. If commands are consistently followed and soldiers are disciplined, they will obey; if commands are not enforced and laws are not upheld, soldiers will be disobedient. Commands that are trustworthy and consistent foster harmony with the troops.

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