The Art of War

When traveling, move quickly through mountains and across rivers and keep to valleys. If an enemy crosses a river, wait until it’s halfway across to attack. Any such approach should be made from upriver, lest the opposition manipulate the waters to flood you.

Avoid swamps and marshes, and camp on high, flat ground, with any hills to your rear. Arrange battlefields so that the enemy has difficult terrain to its rear. Observe carefully the enemy’s actions: Lots of dust means troop movements; shouting and threats suggest weakness; chariots arranging themselves on the flanks signal the battle is about to start.

Keep alert for signs of trouble among enemy ranks, including knots of men speaking quietly or flags being moved around. If water carriers drink first, this hints at low water supplies; if the men lean on their spears, they’re hungry. Commotion at night suggests nervousness.

Soldiers must be treated kindly at first until they respect their leader, and afterwards they must be punished strictly for any misbehavior. Punishing troops before they’ve bonded to their general will cause unrest.