Page:Sonshi (Calthrop, 1905).pdf/56

34 These six things lead to defeat. It is the duty of the general to study them carefully.

Topography has an important bearing on war.

Knowledge of the enemy; proper calculation of chances of victory; an eye for steepness, command and distances; these are the essentials of the good general.

He who understands the application of these principles, conquers; he who understands them not, is defeated.

If victory is certain from the military standpoint, fight, even if the Lord forbids.

If defeat is certain from the military standpoint, do not fight, even though the Lord commands it.

The general, who advances, from no thought of his own glory, or retires, regardless of punishment ; but merely strives for the peoples welfare, and his Lord’s advantage, is a treasure to the state.

The good general cares for his soldiers, and lovingly treats them as his children; as a consequence they follow him through deep valleys, and are with him in death.

Nevertheless, overcare for the soldiers may cause disobedience; overattention may make them unserviceable; overindulgence may produce disorder: they become like spoilt children, and cannot be used.

He who is confident of his own men, but is ignorant that the enemy should not be attacked, has no certainty of victory.

He who knows that the enemy may be attacked