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School of the Military -> The Art of War -> Laying Plans -> 4

Therefore, in your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison,
in this wise:
(1) Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral law?
(2) Which of the two generals has most ability?
(3) With whom lie the advantages derived from Heaven and Earth?
(4) On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced?
(5) Which army is stronger?
(6) On which side are officers and men more highly trained?
(7) In which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment?
By means of these seven considerations I can forecast victory or defeat.
The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer:
let such a one be retained in command!
The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat
- let such a one be dismissed!


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