Not Forming Arrays

In ancient times, people skilled at governing the state did not rely on raising troops to fight in order to solve problems; those skilled at managing the army did not make forming arrays and doing battle their goal; those skilled at deploying formations could win without actually fighting; those skilled at fighting would not fall into defeat; those skilled at facing defeat would not head toward destruction. In ancient times, the sages governed the world by letting the people live in peace and enjoy their work, and until old age they did not attack one another—this is “those skilled at governance do not raise armies.” Shun revised the penal code and appointed Gao Yao to manage prisons; people did not violate the law, and punishments had no chance to be applied—this is “those skilled at raising armies do not form arrays.” Yu campaigned against the Miao, and Shun danced with shields and feathers, and the Miao people submitted—this is “those skilled at forming arrays do not fight.” Duke Huan of Qi subdued the powerful Chu in the south and the Shanrong in the north—this......