
Warfare Depends on Five Fundamental Factors and Seven Calculations
War is a matter of vital importance to the state, the province of life and death, requiring thorough calculation before engaging. Victory is determined by measuring five factors: the Moral Law, Heaven, Earth, the Commander, and Method and Discipline. A commander who calculates these relative strengths in advance wins; one who fails to calculate loses. Deception underpins all warfare, showing incapacity when capable and inactivity when active.

