The Art of War - Chapter 1 - Initial Calculations 始计第一

Sun Tzu's Art of War, Chapter 1, emphasizes the critical importance of thorough pre-battle planning. Victory hinges on understanding five constant factors—The Way, Heaven, Earth, The Commander, and Method and Discipline—and evaluating seven considerations to assess the situation. These considerations encompass moral, environmental, leadership, logistical, and tactical aspects, allowing for a calculation of likely victory or defeat. Strategic positioning and deception are crucial components, advocating for misleading the enemy to exploit their weaknesses. Ultimately, superior planning, based on a comprehensive assessment, guarantees success.