Strategy and the Dao, Method, Technique, and Tool

Don’t think about how to act; think about how to win

A victorious army wins first and then seeks battle

• A defeated army battles first and then seeks victory

When the enemy is strong, be prepared for them; when they are formidable, avoid them

• When the enemy is strong and formidable, we should first be prepared and avoid battle; second, be patient and endure; third, coordinate through diplomacy; and fourth, wait for them to become vulnerable and let their guard down

Be humble to make them arrogant

• Pretend to be humble to make the other side arrogant and look down on you. When they look down on you, they won’t be on their guard; when they aren’t on their guard, you can launch a surprise attack

Rest them, then wear them down

• We should wait at ease while the enemy tires. If the enemy is also well-rested, harass them and keep them busy until they are worn out

The Way, laws, methods, and tools

The Way

• Guiding principles, spirit, direction, and other important intangible elements
  • Those who follow the Way should stop once they have achieved their purpose. Do only what is essential to achieve your goal; don’t do unnecessary things, and learn to be content
  • Nor should you boast of your abilities, as this may bring unexpected misfortune upon you

Laws

• Act in accordance with patterns and trends; don’t go against them

Methods

• Skills and procedures, and how efficient they are

Tools

• Tangible objects or tools, including various electronic devices

Tao Te Ching

Difficult things in the world must begin with what is easy

• Every difficult thing must have evolved from something easy

Great things in the world must begin with the small details

• Every great event in the world must have accumulated from small beginnings

Ten small things add up to one medium-sized thing

• Ten medium-sized things add up to one big thing