What the General Should Do-Sun Zi

From World's Chinese Wiki

What the General Should Do by Sun Zi

English: The art of generalship is to be calm and somber in thought, inscrutable and comprehensive in strategizing; and strict, just and fair in the management of military affairs. He must be able to keep information away from the knowledge of his officers and men so that they will not know his plans. He changes his methods of doing things and alters his strategies so that no one can see through his plans and schemes. He changes his campsites and travels by unexpected routes so that no one can guess his motives. The shrewd and capable general on a specific military mission is like someone who leads his men to scale great heights and, at the most crucial moment, removes the ladder that leads them up. He would lead his army deep into the hostile territory of the enemy and then reveal his real intention after burning the boats and breaking the cooking pots. He would lead the army like a flock of sheep, herding them in one direction, and then switching back to another without them understanding what he is trying to accomplish. To assemble all the divisions of the army and expose them to great danger is what a general is expected to do.

Modern: 将帅用兵，要做到冷静而沉稳，端庄稳重，严正而有条理。要能蒙蔽士卒而耳目，使他们对军事新行动毫无所知。经常变换作战内部署，改变计划，使人们什么也搞不清楚。经常改换宿营地，故意迂回行军，使人们什么也无法推测。将帅与他们约期会战，就像登高而抽取梯子一样，断其归路。将帅与士卒深入别国境内，然后才告之于作战目的，下令作战。这就像驱赶羊群赶过来，赶过去，不知道要上哪儿去。聚集三军士卒，把他们头置于危险的境地，这就是统帅军队应当做的事情。

Original: 将军之事：静以幽、正以治。能愚士卒之耳目，使之无知。易其事、革其谋，使人无识； 易其居、遇其途，使人不得虑。帅与之期，如登高而去其梯。帅与之深入诸侯之地，而发其机，焚舟破釜；若驱群羊，驱而往，驱而来，莫知所之。聚三军之众，投之于险，此将军之事也。

Business Application:

From: Sun Zi Art of War Chapter 11