Verse 1-Wei Liao Zi Art of War Chapter 12
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Verse 1-Wei Liao Zi Art of War Chapter 12
English
The Art of War states: "One thousand men provide the means to exercise the war tactics, ten thousand men provide the means to exercise martial prowess. If you apply the force of tactical power to the enemy first, he will no be able to commit in strength. If you apply martial prowess first, the enemy will not be able to withstand your attack." Thus in warfare, it values first mover the most. If one is able to understand and implement the principle, then it will conquer the enemy. If one is not able to understand and implement the principle, then it will not conquer them. Now when we attack, they will defend; when the attack, we will defend. These mutually produce victory and defeat. The pattern of battle is as such. Detailed planning comes from observing both the enemy and our side. Grabbing opportunities and advantages comes from being flexible in our plans. If you have something, pretend not to have it; if you lack something, appear to have it. Then how can the enemy trust the appearance?
Modern
兵法上说，兵力小的可用权谋取胜，兵力大的可用威力取胜。先敌使用权谋，敌人有力量也无法使用，先敌使用武力，敌人有力量也无法抗拒，所以用兵最好先发制 人。善于运用这一原则。就能战胜敌人，不善于运用这一原则，就不能战胜敌人。我去进攻敌人，敌人必然要反击，敌人来进攻我们，我们也必然要反击。不是我战胜敌人，就是敌人战胜我，这是战争的客观规律。精细周到的谋略在于明察敌我双方情况，机动权变的指挥在于灵活运用作战原则。有装做没有，没有却装做有，敌人怎么能摸清我们的真实情况呢？
Original
兵法曰，千人而成权，万人而成武。权先加人者，敌不力交，武先加人者，敌无威接，故兵贵先。胜于此则胜彼矣，弗胜于此，则弗胜彼矣。凡我往则彼来，彼来则我往，相为胜败，此战之理然也。夫精诚在乎神明，战权在乎道之所极。有者无之，无者有之，安所信之。
Applications
From: Wei Liao Zi Art of War Chapter 12