Сунь-цзы
Искусство войны. Уровень 2 / The Art of War

© Смирнова А. И., адаптация, упражнения, словарь, 2023

© ООО «Издательство АСТ», 2023

The Art of War

I. Laying plans

1. Sun Tzŭ said: The art of war isof vital importance[1] to the State.

2. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. It means it is a subject of research that cannot be ignored in any case.

3. Learn five constant factors that one should always take into account when trying to determine the conditions in a war field.

4. These are: (1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline.

5, 6. The Moral Law causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him and die for him no matter what.

7. Heaven signifies night and day, cold and heat, times and seasons.

8. Earth includes distances, great and small; danger and security; open ground and narrow passes; the chances of life and death.

9. The Commander stands for wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage and strictness.

10. Method and discipline are for proper marshaling of the army, the gradations of rank among the officers, the wellness of roads, by which supplies may reach the army, and the control pf military money.

11. Every general should know these five heads. If a general knows them, he will be victorious and not fail.

12. When trying to understand the military conditions, always ask yourself:

13. (1) Which of the two rulers is in chord with the Moral law?

(2) Which of the two generals is the most powerful?

(3) Which of the two generals has more nature resources?

(4) On which side is discipline most strictly followed?

(5) Which army is the stronger?

(6) On which side the discipline is the strongest?

(7) In which army is there the fairest punishment and reward?

14. By these seven questions I can predict who will win.

15. The general that follows my advice will conquer: let such a one be in command! The general who does not follow my advice will suffer defeat: let such a one be fired!

16. While following my advice, keep in mind any other helpful information beyond the ordinary rules.

17. One should change one’s plan according to circumstances if needed.

18. All warfare is based on trickery.

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Примечания

1

of vital importance – имеет жизненно важное значение

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