Wu Tao: Launching the Campaig

King Wen asked Tai Gong:"Alas! King Zhou of Shang has reached the pinnacle of tyranny, wantonly slaughtering the innocent. I implore you to aid me in saving the people of the world. What should be done?" Tai Gong replied:"A ruler must cultivate virtue, honor the worthy, bestow kindness upon the people, and observe the auspices of Heaven’s will. When Heaven’s signs show no calamity, do not hasten to call for war. When human affairs show no chaos, do not hasten to plan campaigns. Only when Heaven’s disasters and human turmoil converge may you strategize conquest. Observe both his public deeds and private intrigues to discern his true mind; study his outward acts and inner thoughts to grasp his true intent; note whom he distances and whom he embraces to understand his true heart. "Practice the path of delivering the oppressed and punishing the wicked, and your political ideals will be realized. Follow the righteous way, and the unification of the realm will be achieved. Establish proper institutions, and success will surely follow. Secure overwhelming superiority, and......