Signals About Generals-Sun Tzu

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Signals About Generals - Sun Tzu

English: When the officers and men gather in small groups to speak softly and subdued tones, the general has lost their support. When the rewards are given out excessively, the general is lacking ideas. When punishments are carried out excessively, the general is in great distress. A general who behaves ruthlessly at the initial stage and then begins to fear his own troops subsequently is one who is neither intelligent nor capable. When the envoy of the enemy arrives with praises and gifts, they are signs that the enemy desires a truce. When the enemy arrives with much anger and ferocity and yet for a long time refuses to engage in battle or to withdraw, one must be very vigilant and study his behaviour and motives carefully.

Modern: 当兵士官吏成群结队，窃窃私语，将帅低声下气同部下讲话，表示敌将失去人心；一而再奖励士兵，表示敌军已没办法；一而再重罚部属，表示敌军陷入困境；将帅先对士卒凶暴，后害怕部下，是最不精明的。敌人借故派使者来谈判，措词委婉态度谦和，表示他想休战；敌军盛怒前来，但久不交战，又不离去，必须谨慎地观察其意图。

Original: 谆谆翕翕，徐与人言者，失众也；数赏者，窘也。数罚者，困也。先暴而后畏其众者，不精之至也；来委谢者，欲休息也。兵怒而相迎，久而不合，又不相去，必谨察之。

Business Application:

From: Sun Tzu Art of War Chapter 9