Uniting the Masses-Sima Rangju

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Uniting the Masses-Sima Rangju

English

Shun made the official announcement of their mission within the state, because he wants everyone to embrace his orders. The rulers of Xia Dynasty administer their oaths in the army for they want their people to be mentally prepared. The rulers of Shang Dynasty swore their oaths outside the gate to encampment for they wanted the people to understand the intentions first before going into battle. King Wu of Zhou Dynasty made the oath just before the two armies clash, in order to stimulate the people's will to fight.

Modern

虞舜在国内告诫民众，是为了使人们理解他的命令。夏启在军中誓师，是为了使军队事先有思想准备。商汤在军门之外誓师，是为了使军队事先了解他的意图以便行动。周武王在两军将要交锋的时候誓师，是为了激励士卒的战斗意志。

Original

有虞氏戒于国中，欲民体其命也。夏后氏誓于军中，欲民先成其虑也。殷誓于军门之外，欲民先意以行事也。周将交刃而誓之，以致民志也。

Applications

From: Sima Rangju Art of War Chapter 2