by Chris Babineau

Created on: February 17, 2009

The following paragraphs deal with the art of conflict, or struggle. Struggle can appear in many forms, one can struggle with a task, emotion, family problem, or an entire nation or group of peoples can struggle against others. What this essay deals with is military struggle, but its philosophy can be applied to any form of conflict. Surmised into four categories, each blends equally with the next to form a whole. Each distinguishing paragraph is used to set the readers mind into a different stance than the last.

1 Strategic Beginnings
When on the offensive against others, it is best to be like a shadow in the darkness, and when striking it be like the crack of thunder catching them unawares, with no time to recuperate. This usually involves some form of deceitful tactic, in which you show a weakness to others, but only appear to be weak, when in truth your are fully prepared against them.

It is always best to insight others to attack first, that way the form of their strategy can take place and you can be adaptable as needed. To be like the seasons and change according to the charge of battle. Make strong preparations at home with advisor's, never let the form of your actions be known to others, as it will betray your position.

Plans should be unfathomable, to the point where you are as many steps ahead of your opponent as possible. Fill yourself with mystery, lay false plans for others to find, wait for them in ambush.

This is how one can strike like lightning, and lay waste quickly to others forces, resulting in quick victory, which is always best. A military operation that continues long in the field will overtime dull your soldiers, your officers minds will become muddled, and your operation will fall apart. Lay plans to make victories as fast as possible.

Make assessments of both yourself and others. Assess several aspects of each others forces. That is to say whose troops are better trained? equipped? willing to do battle? Whose ends justify their means in accordance with The Way? Whose officers are more capable? Who has fewer, or less troops? Who has the most to loose, for surely those with most to loose are more willing to fight to the death.

Make assessments of situations to find measurements of both you and your opponent. Measurements will give rise to compressions, comparisons will show who has the most strategic advantages. Strategic advantages lead to victories. Generally as a rule those with the most strategic factors on ones side wins. Induce your

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