Laying Plans

Sun Tzu said: "War is a matter of vital importance to the state; it is a domain of life and death, a road to survival or ruin. Hence, it is imperative to study and examine it thoroughly." Therefore, we must assess war based on five factors and weigh them with strategies to uncover the truth: the first is the moral principle (Dao), the second is heaven (natural conditions), the third is earth (terrain), the fourth is the commander, and the fifth is discipline (laws and regulations). Moral principle refers to the alignment of the people's will with their ruler's, so they can be willing to die or live with him without fearing danger. Heaven encompasses the movements of Yin and Yang, the cycles of cold and heat, and the seasonal regulations. Earth involves distances, dangers or ease of movement, vastness or narrowness, and opportunities for life or death. A commander must possess wisdom, trustworthiness, benevolence, courage, and strictness. Discipline pertains to the organization, administrative hierarchy, and logistical support of the army. All these five factors are......