Sun Tzu: The Art of War
The book Art of War by Sun Tzu may or may not be an encrypted text. I assume it is, but unlike many other ancient text, the literal contents are not obvious nonsense or mysticist gobbledygook. Rather, it’s well done, and realistically describes wars as decided by budgets, logistics & deceit, instead of telling fairytales of divine fate & heroism. The text is still suspicious though in that it never gives any details or examples, but only unspecific lists of things that are “important”. These would be of little use for any concrete planning. However, these lists can easily be reinterpreted as encrypted advice to cheat one’s own subjects through theatrical hoaxes. The text would then have a double-meaning, but would be valuable in both meanings.
Introduction
Sun Tzu’s Art of War — 兵法 bīngfǎ “way of armies” in Chinese — is not suited to make a case for encryption. If you want to get clear evidence that ancient Chinese texts were encrypted, you can instead look at Confucius or Xu Guangqi. Both are pretty obvious.
For Sun Tzu’s text, it’s not so obvious. On the surface, it’s refreshingly realistic. It doesn’t question the motives behind wars, and it doesn’t condemn them as the horrible evil that they are. But otherwise, it paints a relatively blunt picture of wars, much as they unfold in reality. Most people today would agree that an actual war is generally not won by heroism, but mostly by sheer superiority, and that in addition bureaucratic measures like strategic planning, logistics & financing are important, like the text says. Sun Tzu even officially acknowledges the usage of spycraft & deception, though of course only towards the enemy, not one’s own subjects as it happens in reality.
Still, the text is suspicous, and there is also evidence that it may be encrypted in subtle ways:
- Many key words are similar to Chinese words for “veil” & “theater”. That is in itself not too suspicious, because Chinese has very few phonemes, and therefore many natural homonyms.
- Unlike Confucius, where words are often encrypted through other words, the Art of War uses different meanings of the same word! One example is paragraph 1.6, which reads 親而離之 qīn ér lí zhī “[if they are too] close, separate from them” (i.e. your enemies). But the very same phrase also means “[as for your] relatives, be separate from them”. The reason is that 親 qīn means “close”, but also “close people”. It’s a derived meaning.
- In Art of War, different pronunciations of the same character seem to play a role more often. For example, the title of the book is 兵 bīng “soldiers” (1.1), which puns with 屏 bǐng “hiding”. But the same character can also be read as 屏 píng “shield” & “screen”, i.e. a mask, which fits the narrative better. Another example is 乘 shèng “chariot”, which can also be read 乘 chéng “mount”, and then puns with 呈 chéng “assuming a shape” (2.1).
- Art of War is also suspicious, because the advice is typically very unspecific. The above example, “[if they are too] close, separate from them” is a bit of a platitude. Of course if the enemies are too close, one should separate. Only a very naive person could learn from this phrase, one who had thought that war was about always heroically rushing towards the enemy. But to be useful to actual strategists, the text should make suggestions on how to escape. It doesn’t, and this is not an exception, but the rule.
- Like many classical Chinese texts, Art of War often doesn’t state the main subject. For example, there are lengthy passages about how one should react if one’s enemies do this or that (starting with 1.6). However, the word “enemy” is never used, it’s only ever “them”. Classical Chinese was supposed to be poetic & brief, but in some places it’s too brief here.
- Often, Art of War fails to mention important things. For example, the list of war expenses doesn’t mention weapons at all (2.1). Armor is mentioned several times instead, likely because it makes for better puns with “disguise”.
- Finally, in a few places Art of War makes statements which are simply implausible or wrong. It is then similar to other “spooky” ancient texts. Examples are when the authors claim that major war expenses would be “entertaining guests” or “glue & paint” (2.1). That is simply ridiculous, and also suspicious.
Overall, Art of War is still a very intelligent & educational text. For common readers, who may have the silly idea that wars would be romantic or heroic, it lays out in detail the opposite. For military experts, it is probably still a valuable source as to which topics may be important for wars & armies, but without any detailed advice concerning those topics.
However, the Art of War is not the brilliant work of some strategic genius that it’s made to be. It does not offer any specific strategies for winning a war. Much of the text is generic. And many strange wordings are still hinting at an encrypted second message, though it’s better hidden than in other texts. I have only analyzed a small part of it, but I am sure that more evidence can be found in the rest. Read for yourself, and make up your own mind.
How to read this
- In the interlinear text, each word is a little block; each verse is a paragraph of little blocks.
- Possible encrypted meaning is on light red at the top, with hyperlinked pun vocabulary just below.
- Original text is in the center, as transcription & glyphs.
- Official meaning is on light green at the bottom, with hyperlinked official vocabulary just above.
- Pun vocabulary is in red, whenever the meaning differs.
- Pun decryption is not an exact science. Please read the introduction, and judge yourself whether I got it right.
- An encrypted spook message does not automatically mean that the literal meaning is wrong, or that the encrypted meaning is the truth. Still, religious readers should proceed with care.
A protective screen is a must.
Sun Tzu’s book is called 兵法 bīngfǎ. 兵 bīng means “soldiers”, but it could easily be a pun with 屏 bǐng “hiding”. The same character in the pronunciation píng also means “shield” & “screen”. In Sunzi’s time the pronunciation could even have been identical. Other than that, there’s no confirmation that the text is really about war: The terms to describe this war are not very specific (“great national affairs”, “life & death”), and could easily have been chosen for the encryption puns.
The Art of War 1.1.a
Encrypted: Sun Tzu says: A protective / screen / [for] hiding, [of] a wrapping the great appearance [??], [of] resembling the multitudes these situations, [of] harboring deception the path, not can [one] not [i.e. one must] investigate [it].
Official: Sun Tzu says: Soldiers, [of] nations the great affairs, [of] death [and] life these situations, [of] surviving [or] perishing the path, not can [one] not [i.e. one must] investigate [it].
Sun Tzu
孫子 sūnzǐ: Sun Tzu
sun zi 孫子
孫子 sūnzǐ: Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
says:
曰 yuē: say
yue 曰
曰 yuē: say
says:
A protective / screen / [for] hiding,
屏 bǐng: hide, suppress; 屏 píng: protect, shield, screen
bing 兵
兵 bīng: soldiers
Soldiers,
者 zhě: (define term)
zhe 者
者 zhě: (define term)
[of] a wrapping
裹 guǒ: bind, wrap
guo 國
國 guó: nation, country
[of] nations
之 zhī: (possession)
zhi 之
之 zhī: (possession)
the great
大 dà: great
da shi 大
大 dà: great
the great
appearance [??],
勢 shì: power, potential, outward appearance
shi 事
事 shì: affair
affairs,
[of] resembling
似 sì: seem, appear, resemble
si 死
死 sǐ: die
[of] death
the multitudes
甡 shēn: crowd, multitude
sheng 生
生 shēng: life, live
[and] life
之 zhī: (possession)
zhi 之
之 zhī: (possession)
these situations,
地 dì: place, field, situation
di 地
地 dì: place, field, situation
these situations,
[of] harboring
存 cún: cherish, harbor
cun 存
存 cún: exist, survive
[of] surviving
deception
罔 wǎng: deceive, hide truth
wang 亡
亡 wáng: lose, die
[or] perishing
之 zhī: (possession)
zhi 之
之 zhī: (possession)
the path,
道 dào: way, path
dao 道
道 dào: way, path
the path,
not
不 bù: not
bu 不
不 bù: not
not
can [one]
可 kě: can, may
ke 可
可 kě: can, may
can [one]
not [i.e. one must]
不 bù: not
bu 不
不 bù: not
not [i.e. one must]
investigate [it].
察 chá: examine, inspect, investigate
cha 察
察 chá: examine, inspect, investigate
investigate [it].
也 yě: (affirmation)
ye 也
也 yě: (affirmation)
Cover, personality, status, speech, method
The text now lists the 5 most important “things” to consider: Principles, weather, location, generals, and laws. For me, those wouldn’t be the first to come mind. What about budgets, weapons, technology, fortifications, defense, recruitment, training, intel, scouting, timing? For promoted famous authors like Sun Tzu, its often claimed that their works seem so banal, or so weird, because we simply don’t understand their genius. But if you read this text carefully, you’ll find little genius, but often generic phrases. And those could very easily be encryption keywords for something else, as I show here.
The Art of War 1.2.a
Encrypted: The old scripture it uses five things, [to] account [for] it with [one’s] schemes, when asking [about] [one’s] [cover-up?] situation: The first is said [to be] the cover [in general], the second is said [to be] [one’s] innate / nature [personality?], the third is said [to be] the [role’s?] status / position, the fourth is said [to be] the speech [of it], the fifth is said [to be] the method / [of] emulation [??].
Official: The old scripture it uses five things, [to] account [for] it with [one’s] planning, when asking [about] [one’s] [military?] situation: The first is said [to be] [moral] principles, the second is said [to be] the seasons, the third is said [to be] the land, the fourth is said [to be] the commanders, the fifth is said [to be] the laws / rules [??].
The old
故 gù: old
gu 故
故 gù: old
The old
scripture
經 jīng: scripture
jing 經
經 jīng: scripture
scripture
it
之 zhī: it
zhi 之
之 zhī: it
it
uses
以 yǐ: use, by, with
yi 以
以 yǐ: use, by, with
uses
five
五 wǔ: five
wu 五
五 wǔ: five
five
things,
事 shì: thing
shi 事
事 shì: thing
things,
[to] account [for]
校 jiào: check, compare
jiao 校
校 jiào: check, compare
[to] account [for]
it
之 zhī: it
zhi 之
之 zhī: it
it
with
以 yǐ: use, by, with
yi 以
以 yǐ: use, by, with
with
[one’s] schemes,
計 jì: count, plan, ruse, scheme
ji 計
計 jì: count, plan, ruse, scheme
[one’s] planning,
when
而 ér: but, yet, then
er 而
而 ér: but, yet, then
when
asking [about]
索 suǒ: search, ask, demand
suo 索
索 suǒ: search, ask, demand
asking [about]
[one’s]
其 qí: his, its
qi 其
其 qí: his, its
[one’s]
[cover-up?] situation:
情 qíng: situation
qing 情
情 qíng: situation
[military?] situation:
The first
一 yī: one
yi 一
一 yī: one
The first
is said [to be]
曰 yue say:
yue 曰
曰 yue say:
is said [to be]
the cover [in general],
幬 dào: cover, shroud, canopy; 燾 dào: cover, envelop
dao 道
道 dào: way, path, principle
[moral] principles,
the second
二 èr: two
er 二
二 èr: two
the second
is said [to be]
曰 yue say:
yue 曰
曰 yue say:
is said [to be]
[one’s] innate / nature [personality?],
天 tiān: nature, natural, innate
tian 天
天 tiān: sky, weather, season
the seasons,
the third
三 sān: three
san 三
三 sān: three
the third
is said [to be]
曰 yue say:
yue 曰
曰 yue say:
is said [to be]
the [role’s?] status / position,
地 dì: status, situation, position
di 地
地 dì: ground, land, locality
the land,
the fourth
四 sì: four
si 四
四 sì: four
the fourth
is said [to be]
曰 yue say:
yue 曰
曰 yue say:
is said [to be]
the speech [of it],
講 jiǎng: speak, speech
jiang 將
將 jiàng: general, command, lead
the commanders,
the fifth
五 wǔ: five
wu 五
五 wǔ: five
the fifth
is said [to be]
曰 yue say:
yue 曰
曰 yue say:
is said [to be]
the method / [of] emulation [??].
法 fǎ: imitate, emulate, method, way
fa 法
法 fǎ: law, rule, method
the laws / rules [??].
Covers cause people to agree with their ruler.
Now here’s a real nugget: The text says you just have to make people agree with their ruler, and then it doesn’t matter to them if they live or die! The text doesn’t say that you should use this carefully, and only for noble causes. The thing that’s supposed to make people agree with just anything is 道 dào “principles”, but that could easily be a codeword for 幬 dào “cover”. I suspect that this is the main pun behind Daoism.
The Art of War 1.3.a
Encrypted: [As for] covers [in general], [they] cause the people with their ruler [to] agree, [whether] may [it be] with [that] they die, [whether] may [it be] with [that] they live, yet [they do] not disobey [??] a [convincing?] falsehood [??].
Official: [Moral] principles, [they] cause the people with their ruler [to] agree, [whether] may [it be] with [that] they die, [whether] may [it be] with [that] they live, yet [they do] not fear [any] danger.
[As for] covers [in general],
幬 dào: cover, shroud, canopy; 燾 dào: cover, envelop
dao 道
道 dào: way, path, principle
[Moral] principles,
者 zhě: (define term)
zhe 者
者 zhě: (define term)
[they] cause
令 lìng: make, cause
ling 令
令 lìng: make, cause
[they] cause
the people
民 mín: people
min 民
民 mín: people
the people
with
與 yǔ: and, with
yu 與
與 yǔ: and, with
with
their ruler
上 shàng: emperor, superior
shang 上
上 shàng: emperor, superior
their ruler
[to] agree,
同意 tóngyì: agree, consent
tong yi 同意
同意 tóngyì: agree, consent
[to] agree,
也 yě: (affirmation)
ye 也
也 yě: (affirmation)
[whether] may
可 kě: can, may
ke 可
可 kě: can, may
[whether] may
[it be] with
與 yǔ: with
yu 與
與 yǔ: with
[it be] with
[that] they
之 zhī: him, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, them
[that] they
die,
死 sǐ: die
si 死
死 sǐ: die
die,
[whether] may
可 kě: can, may
ke 可
可 kě: can, may
[whether] may
[it be] with
與 yǔ: with
yu 與
與 yǔ: with
[it be] with
[that] they
之 zhī: him, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, them
[that] they
live,
生 shēng: life, live
sheng 生
生 shēng: life, live
live,
yet
而 ér: but, yet
er 而
而 ér: but, yet
yet
[they do] not
不 bù: not
bu 不
不 bù: not
[they do] not
disobey [??]
違 wéi: disobey
wei 畏
畏 wèi: fear
fear
a [convincing?] falsehood [??].
偽 wěi: false, fake; 躗 wèi: exaggerate, falsehood
wei 危
危 wēi: danger
[any] danger.
Hiding or feigning? Sinister or easy?
The text now lists considerations for each of the 5 important “things”. But again, there are only very few words that have to do with war, and those few could easily be codewords. An important pun is 陰陽 yīnyáng “cloudy & sunny” with 陰佯 yīnyáng “hiding vs. feigning”. It’s the Yin & Yang pun.
The Art of War 1.3.b
Encrypted: [As for one’s] innate / nature [personality?], hiding or feigning, keeping the mouth shut or narrating, the deception [must] be decided [by it].
Official: [As for] the seasons, [that is] cloudy and sunny [weather], cold and heat, the seasons control [it].
[As for one’s] innate / nature [personality?],
天 tiān: nature, natural, innate
tian 天
天 tiān: sky, weather, season
[As for] the seasons,
者 zhě: (define term)
zhe 者
者 zhě: (define term)
hiding
陰 yīn: hidden
yin 陰
陰 yīn: cloudy, shady, Yin
[that is] cloudy
or feigning,
佯 yáng: feign, pretend; 樣 yàng: appearance
yang 陽
陽 yáng: sun, Yang
and sunny [weather],
keeping the mouth shut
含 hán: keep in the mouth, contain inside
han 寒
寒 hán: cold
cold
or narrating,
述 shù: state, tell, narrate; 舒 shū: unfold
shu 暑
暑 shǔ: heat
and heat,
the deception
飾 shì: hide, cover up, conceal, deceive
shi 時
時 shí: time, season
the seasons
[must] be decided [by it].
制 zhì: restrict, limit, decide
zhi 制
制 zhì: system, regulate, control
control [it].
也 yě: (affirmation)
ye 也
也 yě: (affirmation)
The Art of War 1.3.c
Encrypted: [As for] [the role’s?] status / position, [it can be] distanced or close [to the people], sinister or easy [towards the people], enlarged [or] [more] limited, a [mere] semblance [or] [one’s real] life.
Official: [As for] the land, [that is] far [and] near, dangerous [and] easy [terrain], wide [or] narrow, [chances of] death [and] life.
[As for] [the role’s?] status / position,
地 dì: status, situation, position
di 地
地 dì: ground, land, locality
[As for] the land,
者 zhě: (define term)
zhe 者
者 zhě: (define term)
[it can be] distanced
遠 yuǎn: far, distant
yuan 遠
遠 yuǎn: far, distant
[that is] far
or close [to the people],
近 jìn: near, close
jin 近
近 jìn: near, close
[and] near,
sinister
險 xiǎn: sinister, vicious
xian 險
險 xiǎn: rugged, danger, dangerous
dangerous
or easy [towards the people],
易 yì: easy
yi 易
易 yì: easy
[and] easy [terrain],
enlarged
廣 guǎng: expand, enlarge
guang 廣
廣 guǎng: wide
wide
[or] [more] limited,
狹 xiá: narrow-minded, limited
xia 狹
狹 xiá: narrow
[or] narrow,
a [mere] semblance
似 sì: seem, appear, resemble
si 死
死 sǐ: die
[chances of] death
[or] [one’s real] life.
生 shēng: innate, natural, born with
sheng 生
生 shēng: life, live
[and] life.
也 yě: (affirmation)
ye 也
也 yě: (affirmation)
The Art of War 1.3.d
Encrypted: [As for one’s] speech, [one can] express trustworthiness and virtue, employing [only] speech.
Official: [As for] the commander, [he stands for] wisdom, trust, virtue, bravery, strictness.
[As for one’s] speech,
講 jiǎng: speak, speech
jiang 將
將 jiàng: general, command, lead
[As for] the commander,
者 zhě: (define term)
zhe 者
者 zhě: (define term)
[one can] express
致 zhì: present, convey, express
zhi 智
智 zhì: wisdom, knowledge
[he stands for] wisdom,
trustworthiness
信 xìn: truthful, trust, believe
xin 信
信 xìn: truthful, trust, believe
trust,
and virtue,
仁 rén: virtue, benevolence
ren 仁
仁 rén: virtue, benevolence
virtue,
employing
用 yòng: use, employ
yong 勇
勇 yǒng: brave
bravery,
[only] speech.
言 yán: words, speech, say, talk
yan 嚴
嚴 yán: stern, strict
strictness.
也 yě: (affirmation)
ye 也
也 yě: (affirmation)
The Art of War 1.3.e
Encrypted: [As for] the method / [of] emulation [??], [there are?] bent / not straight [indirect??] and straightforward [ones?], [it is about how to] control the cover, and [the] main [methods?] [to] employ.
Official: [As for] the laws / rules [??], [they are about] [punishing??] wrongdoing [???] and regulating [the army??], [maintaining??] public roads, and [of] the host [??] [the] expenses.
[As for] the method / [of] emulation [??],
法 fǎ: imitate, emulate, method, way
fa 法
法 fǎ: law, rule, method
[As for] the laws / rules [??],
者 zhě: (define term)
zhe 者
者 zhě: (define term)
[there are?] bent / not straight [indirect??]
曲 qū: bent, crooked, twisted, not straight
qu 曲
曲 qū: wrong, not right
[they are about] [punishing??] wrongdoing [???]
and straightforward [ones?],
直 zhí: directly, straight, straightforward
zhi 制
制 zhì: system, regulate, control
and regulating [the army??],
[it is about how to] control
管 guǎn: control, manage
guan 官
官 guān: public, official
[maintaining??] public
the cover,
幬 dào: cover, shroud, canopy; 燾 dào: cover, envelop
dao 道
道 dào: way, path, principle
roads,
and [the] main [methods?]
主 zhǔ: main, master, lead, command
zhu 主
主 zhǔ: main, major, command, host
and [of] the host [??]
[to] employ.
用 yòng: use, employ, usefulness
yong 用
用 yòng: expenses, outlay
[the] expenses.
也 yě: (affirmation)
ye 也
也 yě: (affirmation)
The Art of War 1.3.f
Encrypted: All these five [things], [there] will be no one [who has] not heard [of them]. Knowing them this person [will have] success. Not knowing [them] this person [will] not [have] success.
Official: All these five [things], [there] will be no one [who has] not heard [of them]. Knowing them this person [will have] victory. Not knowing [them] this person [will] not [have] victory.
All
凡 fán: every, all
fan 凡
凡 fán: every, all
All
these
此 cǐ: this, these
ci 此
此 cǐ: this, these
these
five
五 :
wu 五
五 :
five
[things],
者 zhě: (define term)
zhe 者
者 zhě: (define term)
[things],
[there] will be
將 jiāng: shall, will, use
jiang 將
將 jiāng: shall, will, use
[there] will be
no one
莫 mò: do not, there is none who
mo 莫
莫 mò: do not, there is none who
no one
[who has] not
不 bù: not
bu 不
不 bù: not
[who has] not
heard [of them].
聞 wén: hear, news
wen 聞
聞 wén: hear, news
heard [of them].
Knowing
知 zhī: know
zhi 知
知 zhī: know
Knowing
them
之 zhī: him, it, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it, them
them
this person
者 zhě: one who
zhe 者
者 zhě: one who
this person
[will have] success.
勝 shèng: victory, success
sheng 勝
勝 shèng: victory, success
[will have] victory.
Not
不 bù: not
bu 不
不 bù: not
Not
knowing [them]
知 zhī: know
zhi 知
知 zhī: know
knowing [them]
this person
者 zhě: one who
zhe 者
者 zhě: one who
this person
[will] not
不 :
bu 不
不 :
[will] not
[have] success.
勝 shèng: victory, success
sheng 勝
勝 shèng: victory, success
[have] victory.
Which curtain has the better cover?
The text now lists comparisons for each of the 5 important “things”. But again, everything is extremely generic: Which one is “more effective”, “stronger”, “clearer”. In a real war scenario, this text would not be any help at all!
The Art of War 1.4.a
Encrypted: Therefore, [when] feigning this [successfully] with a ruse / scheme, then inquire [of it] [with] this reasoning.
Official: Therefore, [when] comparing this [victorious vs. not] by the [military?] planning, then inquire [of it] [with] this reasoning.
Therefore,
故 gù: cause, therefore, reason
gu 故
故 gù: cause, therefore, reason
Therefore,
[when] feigning
矯 jiǎo: pretend, feign
jiao 校
校 jiào: check, compare
[when] comparing
this [successfully]
之 zhī: him, it
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it
this [victorious vs. not]
with
以 yǐ: use, by, with
yi 以
以 yǐ: use, by, with
by
a ruse / scheme,
計 jì: count, plan, ruse, scheme
ji 計
計 jì: count, plan, ruse, scheme
the [military?] planning,
then
而 ér: but, yet
er 而
而 ér: but, yet
then
inquire [of it]
索 suǒ: search, ask, inquire
suo 索
索 suǒ: search, ask, inquire
inquire [of it]
[with] this
其 qí: he, it
qi 其
其 qí: he, it
[with] this
reasoning.
情 qíng: situation, reason
qing 情
情 qíng: situation, reason
reasoning.
The Art of War 1.4.b
Encrypted: [It is] said: [Of two] curtains / screens [??], which [one] has the [better] cover?
Official: [It is] said: [Of two] rulers, which [one] has [moral] principles [on his side]?
[It is] said:
曰 yuē: say
yue 曰
曰 yuē: say
[It is] said:
[Of two] curtains / screens [??],
幮 chú: curtain, screen
zhu 主
主 zhǔ: master, emperor
[Of two] rulers,
which [one]
孰 shú: who, which
shu 孰
孰 shú: who, which
which [one]
has
有 yǒu: have
you 有
有 yǒu: have
has
the [better] cover?
幬 dào: cover, shroud, canopy; 燾 dào: cover, envelop
dao 道
道 dào: way, path, principle
[moral] principles [on his side]?
The Art of War 1.4.c
Encrypted: [Of the ways of] speech, which [one] has [more] capability?
Official: [Of the] generals, which [one] has [more] ability?
[Of the ways of] speech,
講 jiǎng: speak, speech
jiang 將
將 jiàng: general, command, lead
[Of the] generals,
which [one]
孰 shú: who, which
shu 孰
孰 shú: who, which
which [one]
has
有 yǒu: have
you 有
有 yǒu: have
has
[more] capability?
能 néng: can, able, ability, capability
neng 能
能 néng: can, able, ability, capability
[more] ability?
The Art of War 1.4.d
Encrypted: [Of] the nature [personality] [and] [the role’s?] status / position, which [one] [is more] suitable?
Official: [Of the] seasons and locations, which [one] [is more] suitable?
[Of] the nature [personality]
天 tiān: nature, natural, innate
tian 天
天 tiān: sky, weather, season
[Of the] seasons
[and] [the role’s?] status / position,
地 dì: status, situation, position
di 地
地 dì: ground, land, locality
and locations,
which [one]
孰 shú: who, which
shu 孰
孰 shú: who, which
which [one]
[is more] suitable?
得 dé: obtain, get, suitable
de 得
得 dé: obtain, get, suitable
[is more] suitable?
The Art of War 1.4.e
Encrypted: [Of] the methods / [of] emulation [??] [their] effectiveness, which [one] [is more] effective?
Official: [Of how] the laws / rules [??] are commanded [enforced], which [one] [is more] effective?
[Of] the methods / [of] emulation [??]
法 fǎ: imitate, emulate, method, way
fa 法
法 fǎ: law, rule, method
[Of how] the laws / rules [??]
[their] effectiveness,
靈 líng: effective, spirit
ling 令
令 lìng: cause, command, order, directive
are commanded [enforced],
which [one]
孰 shú: who, which
shu 孰
孰 shú: who, which
which [one]
[is more] effective?
行 xíng: capable, competent, effective
xing 行
行 xíng: capable, competent, effective
[is more] effective?
The Art of War 1.4.f
Encrypted: [Of the] protective / screen / [for] hiding [for] the multitudes, which [one] [is more] powerful?
Official: [Of the] soldiers [their] multitude, which [one] [is] stronger?
[Of the] protective / screen / [for] hiding
屏 bǐng: hide, suppress; 屏 píng: protect, shield, screen
bing 兵
兵 bīng: soldiers
[Of the] soldiers
[for] the multitudes,
眾 zhòng: many, crowd, multitude
zhong 眾
眾 zhòng: many, crowd, multitude
[their] multitude,
which [one]
孰 shú: who, which
shu 孰
孰 shú: who, which
which [one]
[is more] powerful?
強 qiáng: strong, powerful
qiang 強
強 qiáng: strong, powerful
[is] stronger?
Which role-players are better trained?
The title of Sun Tzu’s book is 兵 bīng “troops”. But here, the text suddenly uses 士 shì for “soldiers”, perhaps because that also means “specialist”. It could also be a pun with 飾 shì “role-player”, or both. A similar pun occurs in The Art of War 2.1.
The Art of War 1.4.g
Encrypted: [Of] the decorating / role-playing / specialist [??] servants, which [ones] are [more] trained?
Official: [Of] the soldier privates, which [ones] are [more] trained?
[Of] the decorating / role-playing / specialist [??]
飾 shì: cover up, decorate, deceive, play a role
shi 士
士 shì: soldier, specialist worker, skilled person
[Of] the soldier
servants,
卒 zú: soldier, servant, private
zu 卒
卒 zú: soldier, servant, private
privates,
which [ones]
孰 shú: who, which
shu 孰
孰 shú: who, which
which [ones]
are [more] trained?
練 liàn: practice, train, drill
lian 練
練 liàn: practice, train, drill
are [more] trained?
The Art of War 1.4.h
Encrypted: [Of] the views / visuals [???] [of] the wrapper [veil], which [one] is clearer?
Official: [Of] reward [and] punishment, which [one] is clearer?
[Of] the views / visuals [???]
賞 shǎng: admire view, enjoy sight, appreciate visuals
shang 賞
賞 shǎng: bestow, award, reward
[Of] reward
[of] the wrapper [veil],
帕 pà: wrap, kerchief, headscarf
fa 罰
罰 fá: punish
[and] punishment,
which [one]
孰 shú: who, which
shu 孰
孰 shú: who, which
which [one]
is clearer?
明 míng: bright, clear
ming 明
明 míng: bright, clear
is clearer?
Compare in advance.
No punnery needed here, because war isn’t mentioned with a single word. The advice to “judge beforehand” can be applied to anything.
The Art of War 1.4.i
Encrypted: I use these [to beforehand] know success [or] failure. [Those] leaders [who] listen [to] my schemes [and] use them, will [have] victory. Keep them! [Those] leaders [who do] not listen [to] my schemes [and do not] use them, will fail. Remove them!
Official: I use these [to beforehand] know victory [or] defeat. [Those] generals [who] listen [to] my plans [and] use them, will [have] victory. Keep them! [Those] generals [who do] not listen [to] my plans [and do not] use them, will [be] defeated. Remove them!
I
吾 wú: I, my
wu 吾
吾 wú: I, my
I
use
以 yǐ: use, by, with
yi 以
以 yǐ: use, by, with
use
these
此 cǐ: this, these
ci 此
此 cǐ: this, these
these
[to beforehand] know
知 zhī: know
zhi 知
知 zhī: know
[to beforehand] know
success
勝 shèng: victory, success
sheng 勝
勝 shèng: victory, success
victory
[or] failure.
負 fù: lose, defeated
fu 負
負 fù: lose, defeated
[or] defeat.
矣 yǐ: (final particle)
yi 矣
矣 yǐ: (final particle)
[Those] leaders
將 jiàng: general, command, lead
jiang 將
將 jiàng: general, command, lead
[Those] generals
[who] listen
聽 tīng: listen, hear
ting 聽
聽 tīng: listen, hear
[who] listen
[to] my
吾 wú: I, my
wu 吾
吾 wú: I, my
[to] my
schemes
計 jì: count, plan, ruse, scheme
ji 計
計 jì: count, plan, ruse, scheme
plans
[and] use
用 yòng: use
yong 用
用 yòng: use
[and] use
them,
之 zhī: him, it, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it, them
them,
will [have]
必 bì: must, will
bi 必
必 bì: must, will
will [have]
victory.
勝 shèng: victory, success
sheng 勝
勝 shèng: victory, success
victory.
Keep
留 liú: remain, keep
liu 留
留 liú: remain, keep
Keep
them!
之 zhī: him, it, them
zhi 之；
之 zhī: him, it, them
them!
[Those] leaders
將 jiàng: general, command, lead
jiang 將
將 jiàng: general, command, lead
[Those] generals
[who do] not
不 bù: not
bu 不
不 bù: not
[who do] not
listen
聽 tīng: listen, hear
ting 聽
聽 tīng: listen, hear
listen
[to] my
吾 wú: I, my
wu 吾
吾 wú: I, my
[to] my
schemes
計 jì: count, plan, ruse, scheme
ji 計
計 jì: count, plan, ruse, scheme
plans
[and do not] use
用 yòng: use
yong 用
用 yòng: use
[and do not] use
them,
之 zhī: him, it, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it, them
them,
will
必 bì: must, will
bi 必
必 bì: must, will
will [be]
fail.
敗 bài: defeat, lose, fail
bai 敗
敗 bài: defeat, lose, fail
defeated.
Remove
去 qù: go, send, remove
qu 去
去 qù: go, send, remove
Remove
them!
之 zhī: him, it, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it, them
them!
Adapt to the situation.
No punnery needed here, because war isn’t mentioned with a single word.
The Art of War 1.5.a
Encrypted: [When from these] schemes [you want to] profit by listening [to them], then for this situation / condition, use [also] [for] assisting [you] [in] this [anything] else. The situations / conditions, for benefiting [one must] yet decide [and] adapt [to them].
Official: [When from these] plans [you want to] profit by listening [to them], then for this situation / condition, use [also] [for] assisting [you] [in] this [anything] else. The situations / conditions, for benefiting [one must] yet decide [and] adapt [to them].
[When from these] schemes
計 jì: count, plan, ruse, scheme
ji 計
計 jì: count, plan, ruse, scheme
[When from these] plans
[you want to] profit
利 lì: benefit, profit
li 利
利 lì: benefit, profit
[you want to] profit
by
以 yǐ: use, by, with
yi 以
以 yǐ: use, by, with
by
listening [to them],
聽 tīng: listen, hear
ting 聽
聽 tīng: listen, hear
listening [to them],
then
乃 nǎi: then, only
nai 乃
乃 nǎi: then, only
then
for
為 wèi: because of, for, to
wei 為
為 wèi: because of, for, to
for
this
之 zhī: him, it
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it
this
situation / condition,
勢 shì: situation, conditions
shi 勢
勢 shì: situation, conditions
situation / condition,
use [also]
以 yǐ: use, by, with
yi 以
以 yǐ: use, by, with
use [also]
[for] assisting [you]
佐 zuǒ: assist, aide
zuo 佐
佐 zuǒ: assist, aide
[for] assisting [you]
[in] this
其 qí: he, it
qi 其
其 qí: he, it
[in] this
[anything] else.
外 wài: out, other, other than
wai 外；
外 wài: out, other, other than
[anything] else.
The situations / conditions,
勢 shì: situation, conditions
shi 勢
勢 shì: situation, conditions
The situations / conditions,
者 zhě: (define term)
zhe 者
者 zhě: (define term)
for
因 yīn: cause, because
yin 因
因 yīn: cause, because
for
benefiting
利 lì: benefit, profit
li 利
利 lì: benefit, profit
benefiting
[one must] yet
而 ér: and, but, yet
er 而
而 ér: and, but, yet
[one must] yet
decide
制 zhì: control, plan, decide
zhi 制
制 zhì: control, plan, decide
decide
[and] adapt [to them].
權 quán: weigh, expediency, adaptability
quan 權
權 quán: weigh, expediency, adaptability
[and] adapt [to them].
也 yě: (affirmation)
ye 也
也 yě: (affirmation)
All protective screens are deception.
The official text says here: “war is deception”. For our rulers as they really are, everything is a deception. The only necessary pun is again of 兵 bīng “soldiers” with 屏 bǐng “hiding”. The rest of the meaning is implicit: The text doesn’t say anywhere against whom all these schemes are to be used, so they could be anyone, even one’s subjects.
The Art of War 1.6.a
Encrypted: A protective / screen / [for] hiding, [is of] deception a path. Therefore [when you have] power, then show it [as if you do] not [have] power. [When] using [your power], then show it [as if] not using [it]. [Of a mere] perception / reflection [??], yet show it [as] the original [truth??]. [Of] the original [truth??], yet show it [as a mere] perception / reflection [??].
Official: [A war with] soldiers, [is of] craftiness / trickery a path. Therefore [when you have] capabilities, then show it [as if you do] not [have these] capabilities. [When] using [your forces], then show it [as if] not using [them]. [When being] near, then show it [as if you are] far. [When being] far, then show it [as if you are] near.
A protective / screen / [for] hiding,
屏 bǐng: hide, suppress; 屏 píng: protect, shield, screen
bing 兵
兵 bīng: soldiers
[A war with] soldiers,
者 zhě: (define term)
zhe 者
者 zhě: (define term)
[is of] deception
詭 guǐ: sly, crafty, tricky, deceitful
gui 詭
詭 guǐ: sly, crafty, tricky, deceitful
[is of] craftiness / trickery
a path.
道 dào: way, path, method
dao 道
道 dào: way, path, method
a path.
也 yě: (affirmation)
ye 也
也 yě: (affirmation)
Therefore
故 gù: cause, therefore, reason
gu 故
故 gù: cause, therefore, reason
Therefore
[when you have] power,
能 néng: ability, capability, power
neng 能
能 néng: ability, capability, power
[when you have] capabilities,
then
而 ér: and, then
er 而
而 ér: and, then
then
show
示 shì: show, reveal
shi 示
示 shì: show, reveal
show
it
之 zhī: him, it
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it
it
[as if you do] not
不 bù: not
bu 不
不 bù: not
[as if you do] not
[have] power.
能 néng: can, able, ability, capability
neng 能
能 néng: can, able, ability, capability
[have these] capabilities.
[When] using [your power],
用 yòng: use, employ
yong 用
用 yòng: use, employ
[When] using [your forces],
then
而 ér: and, then
er 而
而 ér: and, then
then
show
示 shì: show, reveal
shi 示
示 shì: show, reveal
show
it
之 zhī: him, it
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it
it
[as if] not
不 bù: not
bu 不
不 bù: not
[as if] not
using [it].
用 yòng: use, employ
yong 用
用 yòng: use, employ
using [them].
[Of a mere] perception / reflection [??],
鏡 jìng: mirror, reflect, reflect, perceive
jin 近
近 jìn: near, close
[When being] near,
yet
而 ér: and, then
er 而
而 ér: and, then
then
show
示 shì: show, reveal
shi 示
示 shì: show, reveal
show
it
之 zhī: him, it
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it
it
[as] the original [truth??].
原 yuán: original, primary
yuan 遠
遠 yuǎn: far, distant
[as if you are] far.
[Of] the original [truth??],
原 yuán: original, primary
yuan 遠
遠 yuǎn: far, distant
[When being] far,
yet
而 ér: yet, then
er 而
而 ér: yet, then
then
show
示 shì: show, reveal
shi 示
示 shì: show, reveal
show
it
之 zhī: him, it
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it
it
[as a mere] perception / reflection [??].
鏡 jìng: mirror, reflect, reflect, perceive
jin 近
近 jìn: near, close
[as if you are] near.
Spread confusion, hide the truth, make them labor.
Again, these advices about deception need very little punnery to be applied to general spooky ruling, i.e. deceiving one’s subjects. Again, the mentioned schemes are supposedly to be used against some enemy, but the word “enemy” is never used in the text, it’s only ever “them”. Note especially the part about “making them labor”!
The Art of War 1.6.b
Encrypted: Benefit yet [from] enticing them [your subjects?]. [Throw them into] confusion, then exhaust them. [As for] the truth, yet hide it from them. [If they are] violent, then force / press them. [If they are easy to] anger, then disturb / scold / stir / [have] vent [?] them. [Feign to be?] humble, and pretend / feign it / [towards] them. [When they are] at ease / leisure, then [make] toil / labor them.
Official: Benefit yet [from] tempting them [your enemies?]. [Throw them into] confusion, then get / take them. [If they have] solid [forces?], then be prepared [for] them. [If they are] strong, then avoid them. [If they are easy to] anger, then disturb / bother / upset them. [Feign to be?] humble, then [make] arrogant them. [When they are] at ease / leisure, then [make] toil / labor them.
Benefit
利 lì: benefit, profit
li 利
利 lì: benefit, profit
Benefit
yet [from]
而 ér: and, yet, then
er 而
而 ér: and, yet, then
yet [from]
enticing
誘 yòu: entice, tempt
you 誘
誘 yòu: entice, tempt
tempting
them [your subjects?].
之 zhī: him, it, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it, them
them [your enemies?].
[Throw them into] confusion,
亂 luàn: confusion, disorder
luan 亂
亂 luàn: confusion, disorder
[Throw them into] confusion,
then
而 ér: and, then
er 而
而 ér: and, then
then
exhaust
詘 qū: bend, yield, exhaust
qu 取
取 qǔ: take, get
get / take
them.
之 zhī: him, it, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it, them
them.
[As for] the truth,
實 shí: real, true, honest
shi 實
實 shí: solid
[If they have] solid [forces?],
yet
而 ér: and, then
er 而
而 ér: and, then
then
hide it from
背 bèi: hide something from
bei 備
備 bèi: prepare, get ready
be prepared
them.
之 zhī: him, it, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it, them
[for] them.
[If they are] violent,
強 qiáng: violent
qiang 強
強 qiáng: strong, powerful
[If they are] strong,
then
而 ér: and, then
er 而
而 ér: and, then
then
force / press
逼 bī: force, press, extort, compel
bi 避
避 bì: avoid, shun, flee, hide from
avoid
them.
之 zhī: him, it, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it, them
them.
[If they are easy to] anger,
怒 nù: anger, fury
nu 怒
怒 nù: anger, fury
[If they are easy to] anger,
then
而 ér: and, then
er 而
而 ér: and, then
then
disturb / scold / stir / [have] vent [?]
鬧 nào: disturb, joke, scold, vent (feelings)
nao 撓
撓 náo: stir, disturb, bother, upset
disturb / bother / upset
them.
之 zhī: him, it, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it, them
them.
[Feign to be?] humble,
卑 bēi: low, vulgar, inferior, humble
bei 卑
卑 bēi: low, vulgar, inferior, humble
[Feign to be?] humble,
and
而 ér: and, then
er 而
而 ér: and, then
then
pretend / feign
矯 jiǎo: pretend, feign; 撟 jiǎo: pretend, counterfeit
jiao 驕
驕 jiāo: proud, arrogant
[make] arrogant
it / [towards] them.
之 zhī: him, it, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it, them
them.
[When they are] at ease / leisure,
佚 yì: easy, leisurely
yi 佚
佚 yì: easy, leisurely
[When they are] at ease / leisure,
then
而 ér: and, then
er 而
而 ér: and, then
then
[make] toil / labor
勞 láo: toil, labor
lao 勞
勞 láo: toil, labor
[make] toil / labor
them.
之 zhī: him, it, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it, them
them.
Separate from your relatives.
The literal meaning of this paragraph is again of not much use: “if they get close, then leave”. Brilliant! But it may encrypt a key concept of spookery: Hiding of all family relations, to conceal the aristocratic nepotism. And you don’t need to change a single character: 親 qīn means “close”, but also “relatives”!
That aristocrats must hide their nepotist family relations is written in Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 18:6, Art of War 1.6, Bello Judaico 1.34.
The Art of War 1.6.c
Encrypted: [As for your] parents / relatives, yet [feign to] be separate / independent [of] them.
Official: [When their armies] approach / are close [???], then part / go away from [???] them.
[As for your] parents / relatives,
親 qīn: intimate, parent, relative, related
qin 親
親 qīn: close, approach
[When their armies] approach / are close [???],
yet
而 ér: and, then
er 而
而 ér: and, then
then
[feign to] be separate / independent
離 lí: separate, independent of
li 離
離 lí: leave, part from, away from
part / go away from [???]
[of] them.
之 zhī: him, it, them
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it, them
them.
Let them have no idea. Don’t put on the mask when seen.
Again, the literal text isn’t much of a big secret: “Don’t make your plans known in advance.” That’s hardly strategic genius. The encrypted text is almost as obvious: “Don’t put on the disguise when seen.”
The Art of War 1.6.d
Encrypted: Handle [all] this [when they are] not prepared. Appear [to] them [so they have] no idea. [For] this protective / screen / [for] hiding school of thought [of it] the success, not may [one] visibly put it on.
Official: Attack them [when they are] not prepared. Appear [on] them [when they have] no idea. [For] this military school of thought [of it] the success, not may [one] in advance pass on [this information].
Handle
攻 gōng: accuse, study, handle
gong 攻
攻 gōng: attack
Attack
[all] this
其 qí: he, it, they
qi 其
其 qí: he, it, they
them
[when they are] not
無 wú: no, not, none
wu 無
無 wú: no, not, none
[when they are] not
prepared.
備 bèi: prepare, get ready
bei 備
備 bèi: prepare, get ready
prepared.
Appear
出 chū: go out, put forth, appear
chu 出
出 chū: go out, put forth, appear
Appear
[to] them
其 qí: he, it, they
qi 其
其 qí: he, it, they
[on] them
[so they have] no
不 bù: not
bu 不
不 bù: not
[when they have] no
idea.
意 yì: idea, intention
yi 意
意 yì: idea, intention
idea.
[For] this
此 cǐ: this, these
ci 此
此 cǐ: this, these
[For] this
protective / screen / [for] hiding
屏 bǐng: hide, suppress; 屏 píng: protect, shield, screen
bing 兵
兵 bīng: soldiers
military
school of thought
家 jiā: school of thought
jia 家
家 jiā: school of thought
school of thought
[of it]
之 zhī: him, it
zhi 之
之 zhī: him, it
[of it]
the success,
勝 shèng: victory, success
sheng 勝
勝 shèng: victory, success
the success,
not
不 bù: not
bu 不
不 bù: not
not
may [one]
可 kě: can, may
ke 可
可 kě: can, may
may [one]
visibly
現 xiàn: appear, present, manifest, visible
xian 先
先 xiān: early, in advance
in advance
put it on.
穿 chuān: put on, dress, wear
chuan 傳
傳 chuán: pass on, spread, transmit
pass on [this information].
也 yě: (affirmation)
ye 也
也 yě: (affirmation)
Much planning will succeed.
Again, only a single word mentions 戰 zhàn “war”, which could easily be a codeword for 帳 zhàng “veiling”. The generic advice for “better planning” could again be applied to anything.
The Art of War 1.7.a
Encrypted: [When] not yet [in his] covering veil yet ingeniously [?] planning [it] [the] successful one, [he] will [??] plan a lot. [When] not yet [in his] covering veil yet ingeniously [?] planning [it] [the] not successful one, [he] will [??] plan [only] little. Much planning [will] succeed, little planning [will] not succeed, yet let alone as to no planning, [is it not]? I use these [ideas] [for the] display / show [of it] the success [or] failure [to] see.
Official: [When] not yet [in] battle yet [in his?] shrine [???] planning [it] [the] successful one, [he] will [??] plan a lot. [When] not yet [in] battle yet [in his?] shrine [???] planning [it] [the] not successful one, [he] will [??] plan [only] little. Much planning [will] succeed, little planning [will] not succeed, yet let alone as to no planning, [is it not]? I use these [ideas] [to] see this, victory [or] defeat [I] see.
夫 fú: (introduce topic)
fu 夫
夫 fú: (introduce topic)
[When] not yet
未 wèi: not yet
wei 未
未 wèi: not yet
[When] not yet
[in his] covering veil
帳 zhàng: covering veil, curtain, screen
zhan 戰
戰 zhàn: fight, war, battle
[in] battle
yet
而 ér: and, but, yet
er 而
而 ér: and, but, yet
yet
ingeniously [?]
妙 miào: ingenious, clever
miao 廟
廟 miào: temple, shrine
[in his?] shrine [???]
planning [it]
涮 shuàn: trick, fool
suan 算
算 suàn: calculate, plan, design
planning [it]
[the] successful
勝 shèng: victory, success
sheng 勝
勝 shèng: victory, success
[the] successful
one,
者 zhě: one who
zhe 者
者 zhě: one who
one,
[he] will [??]
得 děi: must, will
dei 得
得 děi: must, will
[he] will [??]
plan
算 suàn: calculate, plan, design
suan 算
算 suàn: calculate, plan, design
plan
a lot.
多 duō: many, much
duo 多
多 duō: many, much
a lot.
也 yě: (affirmation)
ye 也；
也 yě: (affirmation)
[When] not yet
未 wèi: not yet, not
wei 未
未 wèi: not yet, not
[When] not yet
[in his] covering veil
帳 zhàng: covering veil, curtain, screen
zhan 戰
戰 zhàn: fight, war, battle
[in] battle
yet
而 ér: and, but, yet
er 而
而 ér: and, but, yet
yet
ingeniously [?]
妙 miào: ingenious, clever
miao 廟
廟 miào: temple, shrine
[in his?] shrine [???]
planning [it]
算 suàn: calculate, plan, design
suan 算
算 suàn: calculate, plan, design
planning [it]
[the] not
不 bù: not
bu 不
不 bù: not
[the] not
successful
勝 shèng: victory, success
sheng 勝
勝 shèng: victory, success
successful
one,
者 zhě: (define term)
zhe 者
者 zhě: (define term)
one,
[he] will [??]
得 děi: must, will
dei 得
得 děi: must, will
[he] will [??]
plan
算 suàn: calculate, plan, design
suan 算
算 suàn: calculate, plan, design
plan
[only] little.
少 shǎo: few, less
shao 少
少 shǎo: few, less
[only] little.
也 yě: (affirmation)
ye 也；
也 yě: (affirmation)
Much
多 duō: many, much
duo 多
多 duō: many, much
Much
planning
算 suàn: calculate, plan, design
suan 算
算 suàn: calculate, plan, design
planning
[will] succeed,
勝 shèng: victory, success
sheng 勝
勝 shèng: victory, success
[will] succeed,
little
少 shǎo: few, less
shao 少
少 shǎo: few, less
little
planning
算 suàn: calculate, plan, design
suan 算
算 suàn: calculate, plan, design
planning
[will] not
不 bù: not
bu 不
不 bù: not
[will] not
succeed,
勝 shèng: victory, success
sheng 勝
勝 shèng: victory, success
succeed,
yet
而 ér: and, but, yet
er 而
而 ér: and, but, yet
yet
let alone
況 kuàng: moreover, let alone
kuang 況
況 kuàng: moreover, let alone
let alone
as to
於 yú: in, at, to, from
yu 於
於 yú: in, at, to, from
as to
no
無 wú: no, none
wu 無
無 wú: no, none
no
planning,
算 suàn: calculate, plan, design
suan 算
算 suàn: calculate, plan, design
planning,
[is it not]?
乎 hū: (question)
hu 乎？
乎 hū: (question)
[is it not]?
I
吾 wú: I, my
wu 吾
吾 wú: I, my
I
use
以 yǐ: use, by, with
yi 以
以 yǐ: use, by, with
use
these [ideas]
此 cǐ: this, these
ci 此
此 cǐ: this, these
these [ideas]
[for the] display / show
觀 guān: play, display, show, appearance
guan 觀
觀 guān: see, observe, behold
[to] see
[of it]
之 zhī: (possession)
zhi 之
之 zhī: this, these
this,
the success
勝 shèng: victory, success
sheng 勝
勝 shèng: victory, success
victory
[or] failure
負 fù: lose, defeated
fu 負
負 fù: lose, defeated
[or] defeat
[to] see.
見 jiàn: see
jian 見
見 jiàn: see
[I] see.
矣 yǐ: (final particle)
yi 矣
矣 yǐ: (final particle)
Actors and costumes are expensive.
In this list of war expenses, we finally find some very obvious hints that the whole text is not about war. Instead, there are clues that it’s all about huge theatrical mock-ups:
- Weapons are never mentioned! Aren’t they hugely expensive? Some war without weapons.
- Instead, the word 甲 jiǎ “shell” / “plating” occurs several times, which could easily be a codeword for costumes. The text even speaks of 帶 dài “girding” them.
- The strange word 革 gé “leather” is used for an obscure type of wagon, but the same word again means “changing”.
- The text mentions 車 jū “chariots” several times, which puns with 劇 jù, the main Chinese word for “theater”. Horses are never mentioned, though they are also expensive.
The Art of War 2.1.a
Encrypted: Sun Tzu says: All usage / expenses [of] a protective / screen / [for] hiding [these] methods, [with] spread-out / supportive [?] theater [workers?] [in the] tousands [of] teams, [with] changed / altered / individual [?] theater [actors?] [in the] tousands [of] presented appearances / shapes, the girding shells [dresses] tens [of] ten thousands;
Official: Sun Tzu says: All expenses [for using] soldiers [these] methods, [with] fast running chariots [in the] tousands [of] teams, [with supporting] weapons / armor chariots [in the] tousands [of] chariots, [soldiers] girded [in] armor tens [of] ten thousands;
Sun Tzu
孫子 sūnzǐ: Sun Tzu
sun zi 孫子
孫子 sūnzǐ: Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
says:
曰 yuē: say
yue 曰
曰 yuē: say
says:
All
凡 fán: every, all
fan 凡
凡 fán: every, all
All
usage / expenses
用 yòng: use, employ
yong 用
用 yòng: expenses, outlay
expenses
[of] a protective / screen / [for] hiding
屏 bǐng: hide, suppress; 屏 píng: protect, shield, screen
bing 兵
兵 bīng: soldiers
[for using] soldiers
之 zhī: (possession)
zhi 之
之 zhī: (possession)
[these] methods,
法 fǎ: law, rule, method
fa 法
法 fǎ: law, rule, method
[these] methods,
[with] spread-out / supportive [?]
馳 chí: disseminate, spread afar; 持 chí: support
chi 馳
馳 chí: run fast, gallop
[with] fast running
theater [workers?]
劇 jù: theatrical work, play, opera, drama
ju 車
車 jū: chariot
chariots
[in the] tousands
千 qiān: thousand
qian 千
千 qiān: thousand
[in the] tousands
[of] teams,
駟 sì: team of 4 horses
si 駟
駟 sì: team of 4 horses
[of] teams,
[with] changed / altered / individual [?]
革 gé: change, alter; 個 gè: individual
ge 革
革 gé: leather, leather armour, leather weaponry
[with supporting] weapons / armor
theater [actors?]
劇 jù: theatrical work, play, opera, drama
ju 車
車 jū: chariot
chariots
[in the] tousands
千 qiān: thousand
qian 千
千 qiān: thousand
[in the] tousands
[of] presented appearances / shapes,
呈 chéng: present appearance, assume shape
sheng 乘
乘 shèng: 4 horse chariot; 乘 chéng: ride, mount
[of] chariots,
the girding
帶 dài: band, belt, girdle
dai 帶
帶 dài: band, belt, girdle
[soldiers] girded
shells [dresses]
甲 jiǎ: armor, plating, shell
jia 甲
甲 jiǎ: armor, plating, shell
[in] armor
tens
十 shí: ten
shi 十
十 shí: ten
tens
[of] ten thousands;
萬 wàn: ten thousand
wan 萬；
萬 wàn: ten thousand
[of] ten thousands;
Stage changes, glue & paint are expensive.
The giveaway list of ridiculous “expenses” continues:
- The text warns of expenses for 賓客 bīnkè “guests”, in the context of “inside & outside”. But you have less guests during war, and have them entertained less expensively! But the word puns with 變革 biàngé “transformations”, which fits very well the changes for “inside & outside” stage locations!
- The very title of Sun Tzu’s book is 兵 bīng “troops”. But when talking of the 100,000s of actual soldiers, the text suddenly uses 師 shī for “troops”, because that also means “experts”, as in theatrical experts. (I hope theatrical mockery didn’t involve 100,000s though, and it’s only a figure of speech.)
- Then, the text literally mentions as 2 exemplary expenses 膠 jiāo “glue” and 漆 qī “paint”!!! No really, read it up. And those are totally not expenses for war, but for building theatrical mock-ups.
The Art of War 2.1.b
Encrypted: [For] thousands of veiled [people] the food / the masking [?], then [of] inside [rooms!] [and] outside [locations!] the expenses [including of all] the changes / transformations the expenses, [of] glue [!!!] [and] paint [!!!] the material, [of] theatrical shells the sewing [!!!]; [Every] day the expenses [will be] thousands [of] gold [coins], after tens [of] ten thousands of experts [have been] raised.
Official: [For them to march?] thousands of Li the food [and] grain, then [of] inner [and] outer [territory?] the expenses [including those of all] visitors / guests the expenses, [of] glue [???] [and] paint [???] the material, [of] chariots [and] armor the received / services [???]; [Every] day the expenses [will be] thousands [of] gold [coins], after tens [of] ten thousands of troops [have been] raised.
[For] thousands
千 qiān: thousand
qian 千
千 qiān: thousand
[For them to march?] thousands
of veiled [people]
縭 lí: veil, kerchief
li 里
里 lǐ: li, ancient measure of length
of Li
the food / the masking [?],
鬼臉 guǐliǎn: grimace, face mask
kui liang 饋糧
饋 kuì: food; 糧 liáng: grain, food
the food [and] grain,
then
則 zé: but, then
ze 則
則 zé: but, then
then
[of] inside [rooms!]
內 nèi: inner room, room
nei 內
內 nèi: inside, inner
[of] inner
[and] outside [locations!]
外 wài: outside, external
wai 外
外 wài: outside, out
[and] outer [territory?]
之 zhī: (possession)
zhi 之
之 zhī: (possession)
the expenses
費 fèi: cost, spend, expenses
fei 費
費 fèi: cost, spend, expenses
the expenses
[including of all] the changes / transformations
變革 biàngé: change, transform
bin ke 賓客
賓客 bīnkè: visitors, guests
[including those of all] visitors / guests
之 zhī: (possession)
zhi 之
之 zhī: (possession)
the expenses,
用 yòng: expenses, outlay
yong 用
用 yòng: expenses, outlay
the expenses,
[of] glue [!!!]
膠 jiāo: glue
jiao 膠
膠 jiāo: glue
[of] glue [???]
[and] paint [!!!]
漆 qī: paint
qi 漆
漆 qī: paint
[and] paint [???]
之 zhī: (possession)
zhi 之
之 zhī: (possession)
the material,
材 cái: timber, material
cai 材
材 cái: timber, material
the material,
[of] theatrical
劇 jù: theatrical work, play, opera, drama
ju 車
車 jū: chariot
[of] chariots
shells
甲 jiǎ: armor, plating, shell
jia 甲
甲 jiǎ: armor, plating, shell
[and] armor
之 zhī: (possession)
zhi 之
之 zhī: (possession)
the sewing [!!!];
縫 féng: sew, stitch
feng 奉
奉 fèng: offer, receive, serve
the received / services [???];
[Every] day
日 rì: sun, day
ri 日
日 rì: sun, day
[Every] day
the expenses
費 fèi: cost, spend, expenses
fei 費
費 fèi: cost, spend, expenses
the expenses
[will be] thousands
千 qiān: thousand
qian 千
千 qiān: thousand
[will be] thousands
[of] gold [coins],
金 jīn: gold, money
jin 金
金 jīn: gold, money
[of] gold [coins],
after
然後 ránhòu: after, afterwards
ran hou 然後
然後 ránhòu: after, afterwards
after
tens
十 shí: ten
shi 十
十 shí: ten
tens
[of] ten thousands
萬 wàn: ten thousand
wan 萬
萬 wàn: ten thousand
[of] ten thousands
之 zhī: (possession)
zhi 之
之 zhī: (possession)
of experts
師 shī: master, expert, model
shi 師
師 shī: troops
of troops
[have been] raised.
舉 jǔ: lift, raise
ju 舉
舉 jǔ: lift, raise
[have been] raised.
矣 yǐ: (final particle)
yi 矣
矣 yǐ: (final particle)