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The Use of Spies (用间篇 - Yong Jian)


Original Content

Raising a host of a hundred thousand and marching them great distances entails heavy loss on the people and a drain on the resources... Success is due to foreknowledge.

Description

The ultimate value of intelligence. Uses five classes of spies. Emphasizes that intelligence is the prerequisite for victory.

Related Hexagrams

Hexagram No.30

Hexagram Li (The Clinging): 'Double brightness.' Symbol of foreknowledge, intelligence, and insight.

Hexagram No.61

Hexagram Zhong Fu (Inner Truth): 'Confidence reaching pigs.' Absolute trust and control (sincerity) over spies.

Hexagram No.59

Hexagram Huan (Dispersion): 'Great calls disperse the sweat.' Using intelligence to spread rumors and dissolve enemy morale.

Hexagram No.13

Hexagram Tong Ren (Fellowship): 'Fellowship at the gate.' Creating alignment errors within the enemy using converted spies.

Hexagram No.20

Hexagram Guan (Contemplation): 'Viewing my own life.' Inspecting one's own situation through intelligence feedback.