The Art of Manipulation

Gongs and drums, banners and flags are means whereby the ears and eyes of the host may be focused on one particular point. It is a military axiom not to advance uphill against the enemy nor to oppose him when he comes downhill. A clever general avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. To refrain from intercepting an enemy whose banners are in perfect order, this is the art of studying circumstances. Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy, do not intershear with an army that is returning home. When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard. Such is the