兵失

Attempting to exploit what the enemy people find uncomfortable, to rectify customs [...] to oppose the enemy army's strengths — this wastes the army. Attempting to increase what one's own state lacks in order to match the enemy state's abundance — this is an army quickly forced to submit. If fortifications are prepared but cannot challenge the enemy's equipment, this is an army overrun. If equipment is inferior while the enemy's defenses are strong, this is an army crushed. An army that does not [lacuna] — this is one who is not enlightened. One who is skilled at formations, understands facing and positioning, and knows terrain, yet whose army is frequently in difficulty — this is one who does not understand the difference between national victory and military victory. When the people [lacuna] and the army cannot achieve great merit — this is one who does not understand timing of convergence. When the army [mistreats] the people — this is one who does not recognize his own faults. When the army expends great effort for little result — this is one who does not understand timing. When the army cannot overcome great threats — this is one who cannot unite the people's hearts. When the army is full of regret — this is one who trusts the doubtful. When the army cannot perceive fortune and disaster before they take shape — this is one who does not understand preparedness.

When an army sees an opportunity but is sluggish, when the moment arrives but hesitates, when it abandons what is wrong but cannot settle in what is right — this is the Way of stagnation. Being acquisitive yet incorruptible, favored yet respectful, weak yet strong, soft yet [lacuna] — this is the Way of rising. Those who follow the Way of stagnation — heaven and earth cannot make them prosper. Those who follow the Way of rising — heaven and earth [will support them].