Water vs Fire-Sun Zi

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Water vs Fire by Sun Zi

English: The adept in warfare knows the five interchangeable methods of attacking with fire and would plan and prepare for their usage with vigilance. Thus, those who use fire as a means to support attacks are wise and shrewd. Those who use water as a means to support attacks are powerful. Water can be used to cut off and isolate an enemy, but it cannot be used to destroy and deprive him of his equipments, provisions and supplies.

Modern: 军队必须懂得灵活运用物种火攻的变化，掌握好时机和分寸。所以用火来帮助军队进攻有明显的好处，在以水来帮助进攻会更强。但水攻只可以把军队隔绝，并不可以夺取。

Original: 凡军必知五火之变，以数守之。故以火佐攻者明，以水佐攻者强。水可以绝，不可以夺。

Business Application:

From: Sun Zi Art of War Chapter 12