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.

113works

12dynasties

46authors

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.

Zhou

32 works

1046–221 BCE

  1. Heading North to Reach the SouthLiu Xiang · Historical AllusionsWith the wrong direction, every advantage only carries you farther from your goal.
  2. The Snipe and the ClamLiu Xiang · Historical AllusionsWhen two sides refuse to yield, a third party walks off with the prize.
  3. Mending the Pen After Losing a SheepLiu Xiang · Historical AllusionsFixing a mistake after it happens is still not too late.
  4. Three Men Make a TigerLiu Xiang · Historical AllusionsRepeated often enough by enough people, a falsehood comes to be believed.
  5. Fighting Tigers Barehanded, Fording Rivers on FootAnonymous (Confucius's disciples and their students) · Satirical ParablesCourage without judgment is not heroism; careful planning is what succeeds.
  6. You Deceive Me, I Cheat YouZuo Qiuming · Satirical ParablesAmid mutual deception, candor can sometimes be the most powerful move.
  7. The Bird Startled by the BowstringLiu Xiang · Historical AllusionsThose who have been deeply hurt panic at the slightest disturbance.
  8. Holding the Chess Piece UndecidedZuo Qiuming · Satirical ParablesIndecision loses even a board game, let alone matters of great weight.
  9. Half the Effort, Double the ResultMencius · Philosophers' FablesAlign with people's wishes and the right moment, and little effort brings great results.
  10. The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, the Oriole Waits BehindLiu Xiang · Historical AllusionsFixed on the prize ahead, you overlook the danger lurking behind you.
  11. In the Same Boat, Crossing TogetherSun Wu · Satirical ParablesWhen fates are bound together, even rivals will work as one.
  12. Preparedness Averts PerilAnonymous · Satirical ParablesPrepare in advance, and you can face the unexpected calmly.
  13. Driving North to Reach the SouthLiu Xiang (comp.) · IdiomsActing in a way directly opposed to one's goal, so effort leads further away.
  14. Snipe and Clam Locked in StruggleLiu Xiang (comp.) · IdiomsWhen two sides fight to a stalemate, a third party reaps the benefit.
  15. The Old Horse Knows the WayHan Fei · IdiomsAn experienced person knows the way and can guide others.
  16. Mending the Pen after Losing SheepLiu Xiang (comp.) · IdiomsTaking remedial action after a loss to prevent further damage.
  17. Like Fire, Like Reed FlowersZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed) · IdiomsLike red fire and white reed flowers; vigorous, spectacular, and in full swing.
  18. Three Men Make a TigerLiu Xiang (comp.) · IdiomsIf three people say there is a tiger in the market, it is believed; repeated rumor becomes truth.
  19. Driven to Desperate RiskZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed) · IdiomsDriven by desperation to take a reckless risk.
  20. Know Yourself and Know Your EnemySunzi · IdiomsKnowing both yourself and your opponent, the basis for sound action in any contest.
  21. Victorious in a Hundred BattlesSunzi · IdiomsWinning every battle; invincible in war, or consistently successful in any endeavor.
  22. Guests Feel at HomeZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed) · IdiomsGuests feel as if they have come home; describes warm, attentive hospitality.
  23. A Bird Startled by the BowLiu Xiang (comp.) · IdiomsA bird once wounded that panics at the twang of a bow; someone easily frightened after a shock.
  24. In the Same Boat Crossing TogetherSunzi · IdiomsCrossing the river in the same boat; pulling together to overcome shared difficulties.
  25. Preparedness Averts PerilZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed) · IdiomsBeing prepared in advance prevents disaster.
  26. MenciusMencius · Pre-Qin MastersNot corrupted by wealth, not swayed by poverty, not bowed by force: this is what I call a great man.
  27. Han FeiziHan Fei · Pre-Qin MastersWhen the age changes, affairs change; when affairs change, the measures must change too.
  28. The Art of WarSun Wu (Sunzi) · Pre-Qin MastersWar is a vital matter of the state: the ground of life and death, the road to survival or ruin. It must be studied with care.
  29. Zuo TraditionZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed) · Historical NarrativeBattle is a matter of courage: the first drum rouses it, the second weakens it, the third exhausts it.
  30. Discourses of the StatesZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed) · Historical NarrativeStopping the people's mouths is more dangerous than damming a river.
  31. Strategies of the Warring StatesLiu Xiang (comp.) · Historical NarrativeA man of honor dies for the one who truly knows him; a woman adorns herself for the one who delights in her.
  32. MoziMozi (Mo Di) (traditionally attributed) · Pre-Qin MastersWhen all under heaven love one another universally there is order; when they hate one another there is chaos.

Han

32 works

202 BCE – 220 CE

  1. 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.
  2. Memorial on Security and StatecraftJia Yi · Essays & MemorialsTo put a fire under a pile of firewood and sleep on top of it, and to call it safe because the flames have not yet caught.
  3. Memorial Submitted from Prison to the Prince of LiangZou Yang · Essays & MemorialsSome keep company until their hair turns white and are still strangers; some tilt their carriage canopies in passing and are old friends at once.
  4. When the Birds Are Gone, the Bow Is Stored AwaySima Qian · Historical AllusionsKnowing when to withdraw after success protects you from a jealous ruler.
  5. The Overturned Cart Ahead as a WarningBan Gu · Satirical ParablesOthers' failures are a mirror; ignore their lesson and you repeat their fall.
  6. An Arrow at the End of Its FlightSima Qian · Historical AllusionsEven great strength runs out; act while your force is at its peak.
  7. Poking Its Head Out Both Ways Like a RatSima Qian · Historical AllusionsSitting on the fence at a critical moment usually pleases neither side.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. As Precarious as Stacked EggsSima Qian · Historical AllusionsA situation without a stable base collapses at the slightest shock.
  11. Xiang Zhuang's Sword Dance Aims at the Lord of PeiSima Qian · Historical AllusionsBeneath an innocent-looking act often lies a hidden aim.
  12. A Single Cry That Astonishes the WorldSima Qian · Historical AllusionsSilence is not weakness; gathered strength can burst forth to astonish all.
  13. Devising Strategy Within the TentSima Qian · Historical AllusionsA true leader need not excel at everything, but must know how to use others' talents.
  14. 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.
  15. Returning the Jade Intact to ZhaoSima Qian · IdiomsLin Xiangru brought the precious jade back safely to Zhao; returning something intact to its rightful owner.
  16. Calling a Deer a HorseSima Qian · IdiomsZhao Gao presented a deer as a horse to test officials' loyalty; deliberately distorting truth and falsehood.
  17. Songs of Chu on All SidesSima Qian · IdiomsXiang Yu, besieged, heard Chu songs from every side; surrounded by enemies and utterly isolated.
  18. 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.
  19. Mao Sui Recommends HimselfSima Qian · IdiomsMao Sui volunteered to join his lord's mission to Chu; stepping forward to recommend oneself for a task.
  20. 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.
  21. Waging War on PaperSima Qian · IdiomsZhao Kuo knew military texts but lost disastrously in battle; empty theorizing with no practical ability.
  22. The Swift-Footed Arrive FirstSima Qian · IdiomsThe quickest to act gets there first and wins the prize.
  23. All Previous Effort WastedSima Qian · IdiomsAll previous efforts and achievements come to nothing.
  24. Strike First to Gain ControlBan Gu · IdiomsStrike first to gain the upper hand.
  25. Raising Bamboo Poles in RevoltJia Yi · IdiomsTo raise bamboo poles as banners and rise in revolt; a popular uprising.
  26. Birds Gone, the Bow Is Put AwaySima Qian · IdiomsOnce the birds are shot, the bow is stored away; discarding loyal helpers after success.
  27. 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.
  28. The Hare Dead, the Hound Is CookedSima Qian · IdiomsOnce the hare is caught, the hound is cooked; discarding or killing helpers after success.
  29. 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.
  30. Devising Strategy Within the TentSima Qian · IdiomsPlanning strategy inside the command tent; directing operations through careful planning.
  31. Records of the Grand HistorianSima Qian · Historical NarrativeTo probe the boundary between Heaven and humankind, to comprehend the changes of past and present, and to form a single school's word.
  32. Book of HanBan Gu · Historical NarrativeBetter to go home and weave a net than to stand by the pool longing for fish.

Three Kingdoms

4 works

220–280

  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.

Northern and Southern

6 works

420–589

  1. Letter to Chen BozhiQiu Chi · Letters & PrefacesIn the third month of late spring, south of the Yangzi the grasses grow tall, assorted flowers bloom on the trees and flocks of orioles fly about.
  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.
  5. Book of WeiWei Shou (comp.) · Historical NarrativeThe one who will complete my work is surely this child.
  6. Book of SongShen Yue (comp.) · Historical NarrativeHis family was poor; he had great ambitions and cared little for the niceties of conduct.

Tang

14 works

618–907

  1. Manifesto on Behalf of Xu Jingye Denouncing Wu ZhaoLuo Binwang · Essays & MemorialsThe handful of earth on the imperial tomb is not yet dry; to whom can the six-foot orphan be entrusted?
  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 DawnFang Xuanling et al. (comp.) · IdiomsSleeping with head on a spear, awaiting dawn; ever vigilant and ready for battle.
  6. Ballad of the Army CartsDu Fu · Old-Style SongsNow we truly know that bearing a son is bad, and bearing a daughter is better.
  7. Song of the Governor of YanmenLi He · Old-Style SongsBlack clouds press on the city, as if to crush it; armour glints toward the sun, like golden scales opening.
  8. The Chancellor of ShuDu Fu · Regulated OctavesHe led the army out but died before victory came, forever making heroes weep until their robes are soaked.
  9. Memorial to Emperor Taizong on the Ten ReflectionsWei Zheng · Essays & MemorialsWhoever wants a tree to grow tall must make its roots firm; whoever wants a stream to flow far must dredge its spring; whoever aspires to the security of the state must accumulate virtue and righteousness.
  10. Book of JinFang Xuanling (comp.) · Historical NarrativeWe should join forces for the royal house and recover the Divine Land
  11. Book of ZhouLinghu Defen (comp.) · Historical NarrativeSu Chuo is truly a remarkable man; I shall entrust him with government.
  12. Book of LiangYao Silian (comp.) · Historical NarrativeMy state is like a golden bowl, without a single crack or flaw.
  13. Book of Northern QiLi Baiyao (comp.) · Historical NarrativeFrom then on he had the ambition to set the whole realm in order.
  14. Book of ChenYao Silian (comp.) · Historical NarrativeThe hills and streams here are so fine that a king must arise from this place.

Song

12 works

960–1279

  1. Treatise on the Six StatesSu Xun · Essays & MemorialsThe Six States were destroyed not because their weapons were blunt or their fighting poor; the fault lay in bribing Qin.
  2. Mental Artistry of CommandSu Xun · Essays & MemorialsThe way of the general is first to govern the mind: Mount Tai can collapse before him without his colour changing, and an elk can leap up beside him without his eyes blinking.
  3. Treatise on the Marquis of LiuSu Shi · Essays & MemorialsAn ordinary man, insulted, draws his sword and rises, stepping forward to fight, but this is not worth calling courage.
  4. Reply to Remonstrance Official SimaWang Anshi · Letters & PrefacesWhat scholars contend over above all is names and realities. When names and realities are clear, the principles of the world are grasped.
  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.
  8. Tune: Nanxiang Zi — Thoughts on Climbing Beigu Pavilion at JingkouXin Qiji · Mid-Length LyricsAmong the world's heroes, who was his match? Cao and Liu. A son should be like Sun Zhongmou.
  9. Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in GovernmentSima Guang (comp.) · Historical NarrativeI have heard that among the duties of the Son of Heaven none is greater than ritual; within ritual nothing is greater than distinction of rank; within distinction nothing is greater than names.
  10. Old History of the Five DynastiesXue Juzheng (comp.) · Historical NarrativeThis is as easy as turning over one's hand.
  11. New Book of TangOuyang Xiu (comp.) · Historical NarrativeHuang Chao rode in a golden carriage, his guards all in embroidered robes and fine headcloths.
  12. New History of the Five DynastiesOuyang Xiu (comp.) · Historical NarrativeThe pattern of rise and fall may be called the will of Heaven, but is it not also the work of men?

Yuan

4 works

1260–1368

  1. Staking Everything on One ThrowToqto'a et al. · Satirical ParablesAn all-or-nothing gamble is perilous; even victory can bring suspicion.
  2. History of SongToqto'a (comp.) · Historical NarrativeWhen civil officials do not love money and military officers do not grudge their lives, the realm will be at peace.
  3. History of LiaoToqto'a (comp.) · Historical NarrativeThis girl will surely make a family flourish.
  4. History of JinToqto'a (comp.) · Historical NarrativeNo state in history has failed to fall, and the rulers of fallen states have often been taken captive... I shall not come to that.