Six States Characteristics

Observed lessons

A lax government leads to slovenliness and unfairness, including in the handling of military affairs. This in turn leads to disorder in the ranks.

A simple way of attacking a weak army is to use three units. One attacks the left, another attacks the right and a third pursues them.

To beat a strong country, use bribery and other enticements, one person at a time.

Understand your enemy's strength and motivation in order to determine the best attack.

When the enemy is ordered yet weary, strike them hard.

When the enemy is courageous and careful, approach them but keep your distance in order to cause confusion that offers opportunity.

When the enemy is strong but not motivated, attack them with a large force.

Discussion

There is little room for weak government and no room for an ill-disciplined, demotivated army. If you can understand their politics and the state of their forces, you can find a way to defeat them.

When an army is outflanked, disarray results. Into this, a direct attack will cause them to flee. When they are weak or weary, a direct attack will smash them, even if they are well-ordered. When they are strong yet demotivated, a strong attack will defeat them.

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