Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

So morning energy is keen, midday energy slumps, evening energy recedes—therefore those skilled in use of arms avoid the keen energy and strike the slumping and receding. These are those who master energy.

Ban all omen-taking and superstitious practices so that death is all they have to worry about.

Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.

EARTH comprises distances, great and small; danger and security; open ground and narrow passes; the chances of life and death.

Confront them with annihilation, and they will then survive; plunge them into a deadly situation, and they will then live. When people fall into danger, they are then able to strive for victory.

Hence a wise general makes a point of foraging on the enemy.