Kelly’s Reviews > The Art of War: Translated and Introduced by Peter Harris > Status Update

Chapter 13: Using Spies
Knowledge of the enemy’s condition must come from men. Preparations for years with the aim of contending and yet know nothing of the enemy’s conditions are a waste of time. Most especially double agents who must be rewarded richly. They also perform the role of spreading disinformation and sowing dissent.

Chapter 12: Attack with Fire

1. A state that perishes cannot be restored, and the dead cannot come back to life. We cannot make fires at random.

2. One of the most concrete chapters in the text. Also some commentary on water.

Chapter 11: Nine Terrains
1. Like most other chapters it is partly about the subject of the heading, and partly a disparate collection of remarks on disparate topics.
2. Unlike the emphasis on geography of terrain, emphasis now is on how terrains can influence dispositions of two opposing armies.
3. The ideal behaviour of a general is quiet and remote, revealing little and leaving his men in ignorance like sheep.

Chapter 10: Forms of Terrain

1. Six forms of terrain: general’s greatest responsibility to investigate.
2. Wrongdoings by a general lead to running away, coming apart, caving in, collapse, chaos or rout - defeat.
3. Repetitions of being good to soldiers, not following a ruler’s instructions unquestioningly, and being well informed of the enemy’s condition.

Chapter 9: The army on the move

Or March. A more focussed chapter, and more fluent. Describes watching the birds, trees and dust clouds to gather information on the enemy and its movements.
Also, be wary of peace treaties when the enemy is not losing - subsequent planning is almost guaranteed and is only temporary peace.

Chapter 8: Nine Variations

Very short chapter, and appears to be missing some content.

The meaning of the title is unclear, and only partially relevant to the collection of sayings and maxims rather than a single line of argument.

May be about variations in terrain but not enough given here.

Chapter 7: Armies Contending

Contending here means striving to secure a strategic advantage, with or without open conflict, especially on a prospective battlefield. But don’t rush so much the men are exhausted- then they are in danger.

Also the psychological aspects of battle- the spirits of the soldiers, mind of the general, and mood of the enemy altogether.

Chapter 6: The Empty and the Solid

Considered euphemism for strengths and weaknesses. But also contains an element of possibility.
Not many direct examples of the chapter title. Much about troop numbers not being everything -much depends on knowing enemy plans.

If the army is invisible to the enemy, even a well hidden spy cannot know what is empty or solid about it.
Have the enemy come to you; do not go to him.

Chapter 5: Circumstance

1. Divide men into units so nobody is in charge of more than a few men.
2. The meaning of regular versus irregular can change from one to the other as in a circle. Infinite possibilities. Like a river - flexible to form.
3. Use people in accord with their talents.
4. Have the enemy come to you, expending their energy, so “empty” - attack them from your solidity.

Chapter 3: Planning an Attack

Main points:
1. Defeating an enemy while avoiding war is the best outcome, keeping state intact and reaping benefits.
2. So striking an enemy’s plans and attacking alliances, roads, grain supply etc.
3. Need a completely reliable General, and a ruler that doesn’t meddle in military affairs.

“Know your enemy and know yourself. Fight a hundred battles without danger.”