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To: Razorbak who wrote (1225)	5/2/1999 5:56:00 AM
From: Bill Ulrich	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 3795

Well, feigning disorder shouldn't be too difficult on this thread. <g>

To: Razorbak who wrote (1225)	5/2/1999 10:06:00 AM
From: Don Pueblo	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 3795

Yes, a very educational read. Giles' translation leaves much to be desired, IMHO. I prefer the Samuel B. Griffith translation, (c) Oxford University Press 1963 Here is the Giles' translation you referenced: All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him. If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected. These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand. Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose. --Sun Tzu, "The Art of War" ********* ...and here is Griffith's translation of the same passage. [Note that neither of us reads Chinese, which would be helpful in this circumstance...] 17. All warfare is based on deception. 18. Therefore, when capable, feign incapacity; when active, inactivity. 19. When near, make it appear that you are far away; when far away, that you are near. 20. Offer the enemy a bait to lure him; feign disorder and strike him. 21. When he concentrates, prepare against him; when he is strong, avoid him. 22. Anger his general and confuse him. 23. Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance. 24. Keep him under a strain and wear him down. 25. When he is united, divide him. 26. Attack where he is unprepared, sally out when he does not expect you. 27. These are the keys to victory. It is not possible to discuss them beforehand. 28. Now, if the estimates made in the temple before hostilities indicate victory it is because calculations show one's strength to be superior to that of his enemy; if they indicate defeat, it is because calculations show that one is inferior. With many calculations, one can win; with few, one cannot. How much less chance of victory has one who makes none at all! By this means, I examine the situation, and the outcome will be clearly apparent. (Griffith inserts a note here regarding the difficulty of translating verse 28 into English. The character used for "calculations" refers to a mathematical formula, perhaps some sort of 'rating of factors' which when added together, give a sum.) amazon.com