Attack by Stratagem (Mou Gong)
Original Content
In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good... To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.
Description
Explores winning with minimal cost. It advocates for attacking strategies and alliances first, and the actual army last. Stresses the importance of knowing both self and enemy.
Related Hexagrams
Hexagram Qian (Modesty): 'Heaven's way is to reduce the full and augment the modest.' Subduing without fighting is the highest art of balance.
Hexagram Tong Ren (Fellowship): 'Fellowship with men in the wild brings success.' Use of diplomacy to divide enemies and win allies.
Hexagram Li (The Clinging/Fire): 'Great men illuminate the four quarters.' Knowing self and enemy like a bright lamp illuminating all.
Hexagram Tai (Peace): 'Heaven and Earth unite.' Keeping the country whole to maintain social harmony and stability.
Hexagram Song (Conflict): 'The end brings evil.' The ultimate end of dispute; sages teach how to resolve conflict rather than fall into it.