Zhang Yu says: “Presence of mind is the general’s most im- portant asset. It is the quality which enables him to discipline disorder and to inspire courage into the panic-stricken>.

The great general Li Jing (a.d. 571-649) has a saying: “Attacking does not merely consist in assaulting walled cities or striking at an army in battle array; it must include the art of assailing the enemy’s mental equilibrium”

as Du You observes, “the initiative will lie with us, and by making sudden and unexpected attacks we shall have the enemy at our mercy.”

Editor’s note: Silanguin Cove, Zambales

A clever general, therefore avoids an army when its
spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods.

Disciplined and calm, to await the appearance of disorder and hubbub amongst the enemy: this is the art of retaining self-possession.

To be near the goal while the enemy is still far from it, to wait at ease while the enemy is toiling and struggling, to be well fed while the enemy is famished: this is that art of husbanding one’s strength.


To refrain from intercepting an enemy whose banners
are in perfect order, to refrain from attacking an army drawn up
in calm and confident array: this is the art of studying circumstances

📷: efr-subic.com