Energy

Sun Tzu said: The principles of governing a large force are the same as those for governing a small unit; the key lies in recognizing the difference in their numerical strength. Similarly, the fundamentals of commanding a large force in battle are the same as those for commanding a small unit; the crucial aspect is understanding the difference in their organizational structure and corresponding designations. To lead an army and ensure its invincibility in the face of the enemy, one must skillfully employ both regular and irregular troops. Wherever the army advances, it should be like a stone striking an egg, achieved through the flexible application of the concepts of solid and void, attacking the enemy's void with one's solid strength.

In general, in waging war, one engages the enemy with regular troops and achieves victory with irregular ones. Those skilled in employing irregular tactics possess an inexhaustible variety of methods, akin to the infinite changes in the universe and the relentless flow of rivers. The movement of the sun and moon repeats endlessly, as do the seasons in their cycles. There are but five musical notes, yet their combinations produce endless melodies; there are five primary colors, yet their blends create inexhaustible beauty in paintings; there are five basic tastes, yet their combinations yield endless flavors. Similarly, in war, there are but two fundamental tactics—regular and irregular—yet their variations and applications are boundless. Regular and irregular tactics interconvert like a rotating circle, without end; who can fathom their depths?

Rapidly flowing water, swift enough to carry away stones, exemplifies power. Swift birds of prey, so fierce in their flight that they may break, demonstrate precision in timing. Thus, those adept in warfare create formidable situations and launch attacks with swift tempo. Power is like a bow fully tensioned, while tempo is the trigger that releases it.

Amidst the tumult of battle, with horses and men in confusion, it is imperative not to disrupt the formation. A circular formation ensures invincibility. On the battlefield, one side's confusion arises from the other's discipline; one side's cowardice from the other's bravery; one side's weakness from the other's strength. Whether disciplined or confused depends on the quality of each force; whether brave or cowardly, on their respective situations; whether strong or weak, on their military prowess. Hence, skilled commanders in maneuvering the enemy excel in presenting false appearances, prompting the enemy to make corresponding mistakes. Offer the enemy a small advantage, and they will surely take the bait. Use small incentives to lure the enemy into traps while awaiting them with disciplined ambush forces.

Therefore, skilled commanders strive for victory by creating advantageous situations rather than relying on their troops' hard-fought battles. Consequently, they select and employ talents aptly to harness these situations. Those adept at harnessing situations command their troops in battle as though manipulating wood or stone. The nature of wood and stone is to remain still when placed on level ground but to roll when placed on a steep slope; squares are static, while circles roll. A skilled commander creates situations akin to rolling round stones down a thousand-foot mountain. This is what is meant by "situation" in military strategy.