Civilizational Canons · LC7

Strategies

Formlessness in supreme statecraft, deception in grand strategy: the top-level control and maneuvers of classical military arts and geopolitical dynamics.

Strategies brings together classical Chinese writing on military thought, diplomacy, and statecraft. It follows Sunzi's strategic calculations, battlefield judgment in the Zuo Tradition, persuasion in the Strategies of the Warring States, and Zhang Liang's coalition planning.

Representative works

Zhou · Sun Wu · Pre-Qin MastersSunzi's Art of War: Strategic AttackSubduing the enemy's army without fighting is the acme of skill. Thus supreme warfare strikes strategy; next strikes alliances; next strikes armies; lowest strikes walled cities. Know yourself and know your enemy, and in a hundred battles you will never be imperiled.LR10110Zhou · Zuo Qiuming · Historical NarrativeZuo Zhuan: Cao Gui on WarfareThose who eat meat (high officials) are shallow and lack distant foresight. At the first drum battle spirit is roused; with the second it flags; with the third it is exhausted. When their spirit was spent while ours was overflowing, we conquered them.LR10111Zhou · Warring States Strategists · Historical NarrativeZhan Guo Ce: Feng Xuan as Guest of Lord MengchangA crafty rabbit has three burrows, merely to escape death; now your Lordship has only one burrow, unable to sleep on a high pillow in peace. Pray allow me to dig another two burrows for you.LR10117Han · Sima Qian · Historical NarrativeRecords of the Grand Historian: Hereditary House of Marquis of LiuDevising strategies within the command tent to secure victory a thousand leagues away—that is the achievement of Master Zifang.LR10134

Read by dynasty

Zhou

1046–256 BCE41 works
  1. Han Feizi: The Five VerminHan Fei · Pre-Qin MastersWhen eras differ, circumstances differ; when circumstances differ, measures must change. Sages do not expect to practice antiquity, nor follow fixed rules, but analyze current realities to prepare accordingly. To watch the tree trunk waiting for a rabbit makes one the laughingstock of all under heaven.
  2. Sunzi's Art of War: Strategic AttackSun Wu · Pre-Qin MastersSubduing the enemy's army without fighting is the acme of skill. Thus supreme warfare strikes strategy; next strikes alliances; next strikes armies; lowest strikes walled cities. Know yourself and know your enemy, and in a hundred battles you will never be imperiled.
  3. Zuo Zhuan: Cao Gui on WarfareZuo Qiuming · Historical NarrativeThose who eat meat (high officials) are shallow and lack distant foresight. At the first drum battle spirit is roused; with the second it flags; with the third it is exhausted. When their spirit was spent while ours was overflowing, we conquered them.
  4. Zuo Zhuan: Zhu Zhiwu Persuades Qin to WithdrawZuo Qiuming · Historical NarrativeTo leap over another state to make a distant realm your border county—your Lordship knows how difficult that is. Why destroy Zheng merely to enrich your rival neighbor? The strengthening of your neighbor means the weakening of Qin. If you spare Zheng as your eastern host, supplying envoys with whatever they lack, it brings no harm to you.
  5. Zuo Zhuan: Earl of Zheng Overcomes Duan at YanZuo Qiuming · Historical NarrativeHe who commits many unjust deeds will surely bring about his own destruction; pray wait for it! Meeting within an underground tunnel, the joy was harmonious and warm.
  6. Guoyu: Duke of Shao Admonishes King Li Against Suppressing CriticismZuo Qiuming · Historical NarrativeStopping the mouths of the people is more dangerous than damming a flooded river: when river waters are blocked and burst through, casualties will be immense; the people are just the same. Therefore he who manages rivers dredges them to guide flow; he who governs people opens channels to let them speak.
  7. Zhan Guo Ce: Zou Ji Admonishes King of QiZou Ji · Historical NarrativeMinisters, officers, or commoners who point out my faults to my face shall receive highest reward; those who submit written memorials shall receive medium reward; those who voice criticism in public places reaching my ears shall receive lowest reward. Thus Qi conquered rivals inside its own court.
  8. Zhan Guo Ce: Tang Ju Fulfills His MissionWarring States Strategists · Historical NarrativeIf a valiant scholar must rage, it means two corpses lying dead, blood spilling five paces, and all under heaven wearing white mourning—today is that day! Drawing sword he leaped forward. King of Qin lost courage, knelt upright and apologized.
  9. Zhan Guo Ce: Feng Xuan as Guest of Lord MengchangWarring States Strategists · Historical NarrativeA crafty rabbit has three burrows, merely to escape death; now your Lordship has only one burrow, unable to sleep on a high pillow in peace. Pray allow me to dig another two burrows for you.
  10. Zhan Guo Ce: Lu Zhonglian Refuses to Honor Qin as EmperorLu Zhonglian · Historical NarrativeWhat is esteemed in the scholars under heaven is resolving perils, untying difficulties, and settling disputes for others without accepting reward. If one accepts rewards, he is merely a merchant—Zhonglian cannot bear to be such.
  11. Mozi: Against Offensive WarMozi · Pre-Qin MastersNow when it comes to the greatest injustice of attacking another state, men know not to condemn it, but praise it and call it righteous. Can this be said to know the difference between righteousness and injustice?
  12. Mencius: He Who Has the Dao Finds Abundant SupportMencius · Pre-Qin MastersFavorable climate is not equal to geographical advantages; geographical advantages are not equal to human harmony. He who aligns with the Dao gains abundant support; he who abandons the Dao finds sparse support. At the extreme of sparse support, even kin rebel; at the summit of abundant support, all under heaven submit.
  13. Mencius: On the Affairs of Qi Huan and Jin WenMencius · Pre-Qin MastersTreat the elders of our own family with respect and extend it to elders of others; treat the young of our own family with kindness and extend it to the young of others: then the empire can be turned in the palm of your hand. Extending benevolence suffices to protect the Four Seas; failing to extend benevolence, you cannot protect your own wife and children.
  14. The Art of War · Attack by StratagemSun Wu (Sunzi) · Pre-Qin MastersKnow the enemy and know yourself, and in a hundred battles you will never be in peril.
  15. Strategies of the Warring States · Chu IV (Excerpt)Liu Xiang (comp.) · Historical NarrativeTo look to the hound after spotting the hare is not too late; to mend the pen after losing the sheep…
  16. Han Feizi · Collected Illustrations, Outer Left, Part One (Excerpt)Han Fei · Pre-Qin MastersThe man of Zheng bought the casket and returned the pearl.
  17. Heading North to Reach the SouthLiu Xiang · Historical AllusionsWith the wrong direction, every advantage only carries you farther from your goal.
  18. The Snipe and the ClamLiu Xiang · Historical AllusionsWhen two sides refuse to yield, a third party walks off with the prize.
  19. Mending the Pen After Losing a SheepLiu Xiang · Historical AllusionsFixing a mistake after it happens is still not too late.
  20. Three Men Make a TigerLiu Xiang · Historical AllusionsRepeated often enough by enough people, a falsehood comes to be believed.
  21. Fighting Tigers Barehanded, Fording Rivers on FootDisciples of Confucius · Satirical ParablesCourage without judgment is not heroism; careful planning is what succeeds.
  22. You Deceive Me, I Cheat YouZuo Qiuming · Satirical ParablesAmid mutual deception, candor can sometimes be the most powerful move.
  23. The Bird Startled by the BowstringLiu Xiang · Historical AllusionsThose who have been deeply hurt panic at the slightest disturbance.
  24. Holding the Chess Piece UndecidedZuo Qiuming · Satirical ParablesIndecision loses even a board game, let alone matters of great weight.
  25. Half the Effort, Double the ResultMencius · Philosophers' FablesAlign with people's wishes and the right moment, and little effort brings great results.
  26. The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, the Oriole Waits BehindLiu Xiang · Historical AllusionsFixed on the prize ahead, you overlook the danger lurking behind you.
  27. In the Same Boat, Crossing TogetherSun Wu · Satirical ParablesWhen fates are bound together, even rivals will work as one.
  28. Preparedness Averts PerilAnonymous · Satirical ParablesPrepare in advance, and you can face the unexpected calmly.
  29. Driving North to Reach the SouthStrategies of the Warring States · IdiomsActing in a way directly opposed to one's goal, so effort leads further away.
  30. Snipe and Clam Locked in StruggleStrategies of the Warring States · IdiomsWhen two sides fight to a stalemate, a third party reaps the benefit.
  31. The Old Horse Knows the WayHan Feizi · IdiomsAn experienced person knows the way and can guide others.
  32. Mending the Pen after Losing SheepStrategies of the Warring States · IdiomsTaking remedial action after a loss to prevent further damage.
  33. Like Fire, Like Reed FlowersGuoyu · IdiomsLike red fire and white reed flowers; vigorous, spectacular, and in full swing.
  34. Three Men Make a TigerStrategies of the Warring States · IdiomsIf three people say there is a tiger in the market, it is believed; repeated rumor becomes truth.
  35. Driven to Desperate RiskZuozhuan · IdiomsDriven by desperation to take a reckless risk.
  36. Know Yourself and Know Your EnemySunzi · IdiomsKnowing both yourself and your opponent, the basis for sound action in any contest.
  37. Victorious in a Hundred BattlesSunzi · IdiomsWinning every battle; invincible in war, or consistently successful in any endeavor.
  38. Guests Feel at HomeZuozhuan · IdiomsGuests feel as if they have come home; describes warm, attentive hospitality.
  39. A Bird Startled by the BowStrategies of the Warring States · IdiomsA bird once wounded that panics at the twang of a bow; someone easily frightened after a shock.
  40. In the Same Boat Crossing TogetherSunzi · IdiomsCrossing the river in the same boat; pulling together to overcome shared difficulties.
  41. Preparedness Averts PerilZuozhuan · IdiomsBeing prepared in advance prevents disaster.

Qin

221–207 BCE1 works
  1. Memorial Against the Expulsion of Guest OfficialsLi Si · Essays & MemorialsYour minister hears of proposals to expel foreign talents, which I venture to deem mistaken. Mount Tai rejects no handful of earth, thus reaching its towering majesty; rivers and seas refuse no tiny rill, thus achieving their profound depths; a true king turns away no human being, thus illuminating his virtue.

Han

202 BCE – 220 CE42 works
  1. Records of the Grand Historian: Basic Annals of Xiang Yu (Siege of Gaixia)Sima Qian · Historical NarrativeMy strength uprooted mountains, my spirit covered the world. But time favors me not, and Dapple gallops no more. When Dapple gallops no more, what can I do? Oh Yu, oh Yu, what fate awaits you!
  2. Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Assassins (Jing Ke Attempts on King of Qin)Sima Qian · Historical NarrativeThe wind howls bleak and the Yi River chills; once the warrior departs, he shall return no more!
  3. Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Lian Po and Lin XiangruSima Qian · Historical NarrativeXiangru judged that the King of Qin was deceitful and had no intention of giving up the cities, saying: 'If the cities are yielded, the jade stays; if not, permit me to return the jade intact to Zhao.'
  4. Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of the Marquis of HuaiyinSima Qian · Historical NarrativeDoes not the Art of War state: 'Plunge them into mortal danger and they will survive; put them on fatal ground and they will live'?
  5. Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of the Lord of Wei (Lord Xinling)Sima Qian · Historical NarrativeThe reason I allied myself with you through marriage was for your noble honor in rescuing others in distress. Now Handan faces surrender while Wei relief comes not—where is your honor in aiding the desperate!
  6. Records of the Grand Historian: Hereditary House of Chen SheSima Qian · Historical NarrativeHow could swallows and sparrows know the ambition of the great swan! Are kings, nobles, generals, and chancellors born of special blood?
  7. Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of General LiSima Qian · Historical NarrativePeaches and plums speak not, yet beneath them paths naturally form. Though a humble saying, it illustrates profound truth.
  8. Records of the Grand Historian: Hereditary House of Marquis of LiuSima Qian · Historical NarrativeDevising strategies within the command tent to secure victory a thousand leagues away—that is the achievement of Master Zifang.
  9. Faults of QinJia Yi · Essays & MemorialsA single commoner rebelled and the imperial ancestral shrines collapsed, their dynastic line exterminated to become the laughingstock of the realm—why? Because benevolence and righteousness were not practiced, and the strategy of taking power differs from preserving it.
  10. Memorial on Security and StatecraftJia Yi · Essays & MemorialsCarrying a torch, placing it beneath a mountain of dried firewood, and sleeping peacefully on top, claiming all is safe before flames burst out—how does our empire's present situation differ from this!
  11. Memorial Submitted from Prison to the Prince of LiangZou Yang · Essays & MemorialsIn ancient times Jing Ke embraced Prince Dan's righteousness until a white halo pierced the sun, yet the Crown Prince doubted him. Sincere devotion touches heaven and earth, yet mundane mortals fail to perceive—how tragic indeed!
  12. Records of the Grand Historian · The House of Goujian, King of Yue (Excerpt)Sima Qian · Historical NarrativeHe placed a gall bladder by his seat, looked up at it sitting or lying, and tasted it at every meal.
  13. Records of the Grand Historian · Biographies of Lord Pingyuan and Yu Qing (Excerpt)Sima Qian · Historical NarrativeAmong his retainers was one Mao Sui, who stepped forward and recommended himself to Lord Pingyuan.
  14. Records of the Grand Historian · Biography of Han Changru (Excerpt)Sima Qian · Historical NarrativeCan dead ashes never flare up again?
  15. Book of Han · Biography of Jia Yi (Excerpt)Ban Gu · Historical NarrativeWhen the front cart overturns, the cart behind takes warning.
  16. When the Birds Are Gone, the Bow Is Stored AwaySima Qian · Historical AllusionsKnowing when to withdraw after success protects you from a jealous ruler.
  17. The Overturned Cart Ahead as a WarningBan Gu · Satirical ParablesOthers' failures are a mirror; ignore their lesson and you repeat their fall.
  18. An Arrow at the End of Its FlightSima Qian · Historical AllusionsEven great strength runs out; act while your force is at its peak.
  19. Poking Its Head Out Both Ways Like a RatSima Qian · Historical AllusionsSitting on the fence at a critical moment usually pleases neither side.
  20. Hesitating to Hit the Rat for Fear of Breaking the VaseBan Gu · Satirical ParablesWeigh collateral damage when striking wrongdoers, but don't use it as an excuse for inaction.
  21. When the Hare Is Dead, the Hound Is CookedSima Qian · Historical AllusionsA ruler who shares only hardship often turns on his helpers once victory comes.
  22. As Precarious as Stacked EggsSima Qian · Historical AllusionsA situation without a stable base collapses at the slightest shock.
  23. Xiang Zhuang's Sword Dance Aims at the Lord of PeiSima Qian · Historical AllusionsBeneath an innocent-looking act often lies a hidden aim.
  24. A Single Cry That Astonishes the WorldSima Qian · Historical AllusionsSilence is not weakness; gathered strength can burst forth to astonish all.
  25. Devising Strategy Within the TentSima Qian · Historical AllusionsA true leader need not excel at everything, but must know how to use others' talents.
  26. Sleeping on Brushwood and Tasting GallSima Qian · IdiomsKing Goujian slept on brushwood and tasted gall to remember his humiliation; enduring hardship to prepare for revenge or success.
  27. Returning the Jade Intact to ZhaoSima Qian · IdiomsLin Xiangru brought the precious jade back safely to Zhao; returning something intact to its rightful owner.
  28. Calling a Deer a HorseSima Qian · IdiomsZhao Gao presented a deer as a horse to test officials' loyalty; deliberately distorting truth and falsehood.
  29. Songs of Chu on All SidesSima Qian · IdiomsXiang Yu, besieged, heard Chu songs from every side; surrounded by enemies and utterly isolated.
  30. Fighting with One's Back to the RiverSima Qian · IdiomsHan Xin deployed troops with a river behind them, cutting off retreat; a desperate all-or-nothing fight.
  31. Mao Sui Recommends HimselfSima Qian · IdiomsMao Sui volunteered to join his lord's mission to Chu; stepping forward to recommend oneself for a task.
  32. Breaking the Cauldrons and Sinking the BoatsSima Qian · IdiomsXiang Yu smashed cooking pots and sank his boats after crossing the river; total commitment with no retreat.
  33. Waging War on PaperSima Qian · IdiomsZhao Kuo knew military texts but lost disastrously in battle; empty theorizing with no practical ability.
  34. The Swift-Footed Arrive FirstRecords of the Grand Historian · IdiomsThe quickest to act gets there first and wins the prize.
  35. All Previous Effort WastedSima Qian · IdiomsAll previous efforts and achievements come to nothing.
  36. Strike First to Gain ControlBan Gu · IdiomsStrike first to gain the upper hand.
  37. Raising Bamboo Poles in RevoltJia Yi · IdiomsTo raise bamboo poles as banners and rise in revolt; a popular uprising.
  38. Birds Gone, the Bow Is Put AwaySima Qian · IdiomsOnce the birds are shot, the bow is stored away; discarding loyal helpers after success.
  39. The Spent Arrow of a Strong CrossbowSima Qian · IdiomsAn arrow from a mighty crossbow at the end of its flight; once-great strength now spent.
  40. The Hare Dead, the Hound Is CookedSima Qian · IdiomsOnce the hare is caught, the hound is cooked; discarding or killing helpers after success.
  41. Xiang Zhuang's Sword Dance Aims at the Duke of PeiSima Qian · ProverbsXiang Zhuang's sword dance was aimed at Liu Bang; an act whose real purpose is hidden.
  42. Devising Strategy Within the TentSima Qian · IdiomsPlanning strategy inside the command tent; directing operations through careful planning.

Three Kingdoms

220–2804 works
  1. First Memorial on the ExpeditionZhuge Liang · Essays & MemorialsI took up my charge amid military collapse, and received my mission in perilous danger.
  2. Second Memorial on Dispatching the TroopsZhuge Liang · Essays & MemorialsI shall bend my body in devotion and exhaust my strength until death.
  3. Pooling Wisdom for Greater BenefitZhuge Liang · IdiomsDrawing on collective wisdom and useful suggestions to achieve better results.
  4. Driving Straight InCao Cao · IdiomsDriving deep into enemy territory unopposed; an irresistible advance.

Jin

265–4201 works
  1. Letting the Tiger Return to the MountainChen Shou · Satirical ParablesLet a dangerous rival escape, and he will return as your greatest threat.

Northern and Southern

420–5894 works
  1. Letter to Chen BozhiQiu Chi · Letters & PrefacesIn the third month of late spring, grasses grow tall across Jiangnan, diverse blossoms cloak trees, and flocks of orioles flutter in chorus. Seeing the banners and drums of your ancestral homeland, reminiscing on your past days, mounting the parapet touching your bowstring—how could your heart not be torn with sorrow?
  2. Gazing at Plums to Quench ThirstLiu Yiqing · Historical AllusionsA vivid hope can lift people's spirits enough to get them through hardship.
  3. Guarding Against the First Small SignsFan Ye · Satirical ParablesStop trouble at its first small sign, before it grows beyond control.
  4. Quenching Thirst by Thinking of PlumsLiu Yiqing · IdiomsCao Cao's thirsty troops cheered by imagined plums; consoling oneself with fantasies.

Tang

618–9075 works
  1. Manifesto on Behalf of Xu Jingye Denouncing Wu ZhaoLuo Binwang · Essays & MemorialsEre the mound of earth on imperial tomb is dry, where can the six-foot royal orphan turn for refuge? Look upon realm today and ask: whose domain is it after all!
  2. Written at Wujiang PavilionDu Mu · Regulated QuatrainsThe young men east of the Yangtze were many and gifted; had he returned, rolling up the dust again, who knows what might have been?
  3. Two Eagles with One ArrowLi Yanshou · Satirical ParablesTrue skill lets a single action achieve two goals at once.
  4. Splitting at the Touch of the BladeFang Xuanling et al. · Satirical ParablesBreak through the hardest first part, and the rest gives way naturally.
  5. Pillowing on a Spear Awaiting DawnBook of Jin · IdiomsSleeping with head on a spear, awaiting dawn; ever vigilant and ready for battle.

Ten Kingdoms

907–9791 works
  1. Adapting to CircumstancesLiu Xu et al. · IdiomsTo adapt flexibly and act as circumstances change.

Song

960–12797 works
  1. Treatise on the Six StatesSu Xun · Essays & MemorialsThe fall of the Six States was not due to poor weapons or flawed tactics, but the folly of bribing Qin. Appeasing Qin with land is like putting out a fire with firewood: so long as fuel remains, the blaze will never cease.
  2. Mental Artistry of CommandSu Xun · Essays & MemorialsIn the discipline of generalship, one must first master the mind. Even if Mount Tai collapses before your eyes, let your color not change; though a deer leaps beside you, let not your eyes blink. Only then can you master advantage and peril, and await the enemy.
  3. Treatise on the Marquis of LiuSu Shi · Essays & MemorialsThose celebrated as heroes throughout antiquity possessed qualities surpassing ordinary men. When an ordinary man is insulted, he draws his sword and fights; this cannot be called true courage. The truly brave in this world are not startled when sudden peril confronts them, nor angered when unprovoked insult is heaped upon them, for what they harbor is immense and their vision stretches far.
  4. Reply to Remonstrance Official SimaWang Anshi · Letters & PrefacesI humbly maintain: Receiving orders from the sovereign, deliberating laws in court and delivering them to magistrates is not usurping office; reviving policies of ancient sage-kings to foster benefits and eradicate abuses is not stirring trouble; managing wealth for the empire is not extortion; refuting fallacies and challenging flatterers is not rejecting advice. As for widespread murmurs and complaints, I foresaw them from the start.
  5. Honey on the Lips, a Sword in the BellySima Guang · Satirical ParablesSweet words may hide deadly intent; judge people by their deeds.
  6. Beating the Grass Startles the SnakeZheng Wenbao · IdiomsBeating the grass alerts the snake; a careless move that forewarns one's target.
  7. Please Step into the UrnSima Guang · IdiomsPlease get into the urn; turning a person's own cruel method against him.

Yuan

1271–13681 works
  1. Staking Everything on One ThrowToqto'a et al. · Satirical ParablesAn all-or-nothing gamble is perilous; even victory can bring suspicion.

Ming

1368–16441 works
  1. Discourse on Deep ForesightFang Xiaoru · Essays & MemorialsContemplating victory over others is inferior to mastering oneself; guarding against external perils is inferior to preventing internal discord. The disasters of the realm never fail to arise from the most minute neglected origins before culminating in monumental collapse.