文化思維：挺經

 曾國藩的《挺經》是一部探討處世哲學、官場智慧與個人修養的經典，核心思想強調謙遜、容人、權衡勢力，從而達到「全身而退」的境界。其中，幾個關鍵原則深刻影響了曾國藩的仕途，使他能夠在動盪時局中安然立足，並確保家族的長遠安穩。

首先，他主張**「勢不可用盡，功不可獨享」**，認為任何權勢都應該留有餘地，不能過度鋒芒畢露。在官場中，他從不獨占功勞，反而懂得將功勞分給部屬與上司，這使他能夠廣結善緣，避免被人忌恨，從而穩固自己的地位。

其次，「大名要推讓幾分，盛時要做衰時想」，強調人處於顛峰時不可自滿，而要預見未來的變數，為可能的衰退做準備。曾國藩在剿滅太平天國後，並未趁勝追擊謀取更大權力，而是選擇低調行事，避免與清廷權貴產生直接衝突，最終成功全身而退。

再者，他奉行**「剛柔相濟，無為而無不為」**的處世之道，懂得在剛強與柔和之間靈活調整。對於部下，他既嚴格要求，又適時寬容；對於朝廷，他既忠誠，又懂得自保。他的這種智慧，使他在官場沉浮多年，既能容人，也能被人容。

最終，這些策略確保了他安享晚年，家族無災無禍。他的子孫未因他晚年的行為而遭受清廷打壓，反而得以延續良好的家族風範，這正是他審慎持家、懂得進退的結果。曾國藩的智慧，不僅讓他在官場生涯中立於不敗，還為後世提供了一種長遠安穩的生存哲學。

Zeng Guofan’s Ting Jing (The Classic of Perseverance) is a work that explores the philosophy of life, political strategy, and personal cultivation. Its core principles emphasize humility, tolerance, and the careful balance of power, allowing Zeng to navigate the treacherous political landscape, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and ultimately retire peacefully with his family remaining safe and prosperous.

First, he advocated that “power must not be exhausted, and achievements must not be monopolized.” He believed that one should never use up all their influence or take sole credit for success. In the political arena, Zeng was careful to share his achievements with his subordinates and superiors, thereby fostering goodwill and avoiding resentment. This strategic humility helped him maintain stability in his career.

Second, “One must yield some fame and always prepare for decline in times of prosperity.” Zeng emphasized the importance of foresight and caution. Even at the height of his success after defeating the Taiping Rebellion, he did not aggressively seek more power. Instead, he remained low-key and avoided direct confrontation with influential Qing officials, ensuring his safe withdrawal from politics.

Third, he followed the principle of “balancing rigidity and flexibility, practicing non-action while achieving everything.” He knew when to be firm and when to be accommodating. He was strict yet understanding with his subordinates, and he remained loyal yet self-protective in his dealings with the imperial court. This adaptability allowed him to survive the complex and often dangerous political environment of his time.

Ultimately, these strategies enabled him to retire peacefully without bringing disaster upon his family. Unlike many officials who fell out of favor and suffered tragic ends, Zeng ensured that his descendants were not implicated or persecuted after his retirement. His wisdom not only helped him maintain a stable political career but also provided a long-term survival strategy that continues to offer valuable lessons for leadership, governance, and personal conduct.

競思維21：孫子善用「勢」的智慧

 善用「勢」以達成勝利：孫子兵法的戰略智慧

孫子在《孫子兵法》中反覆強調「勢」的重要性，並認為能夠有效運用「勢」的人，才能在戰爭或競爭中立於不敗之地。「勢」是一種綜合性的力量，包含地形、軍隊士氣、戰略佈局、資源配置等多重因素，它不僅影響戰局的發展，也決定了勝負的方向。孫子主張，真正善戰者能夠因時因地制宜，創造有利形勢，使戰爭如同千仞之瀑布般強大不可擋，最終以最小代價取得最大勝利。本文將從「因勢利導」、「掌握無形的力量」、「運用人心與士氣」、「善用環境刺激戰局」四個方面，探討孫子如何善用「勢」來達成勝利。

一、因勢利導：趁勢而行，不逆勢而動

孫子在《始計》中提到：「計利以聽，乃為之勢，以佐其外。勢者，因利而制權也。」這句話的核心思想是，作戰應當順勢而行，而非逆勢強攻。善戰者應該分析戰局的有利條件，利用趨勢來決定戰略，而不是盲目依靠人的勇敢或單純的命令。

這種戰略思維與水流的運行方式相似——水會順著地勢流動，當它積蓄到一定程度時，便能形成強大的衝擊力。例如，當敵軍士氣低落、內部矛盾加劇時，這便是己方的有利形勢，應當及時出擊。反之，若敵軍強勢、士氣高昂，則應避其鋒芒，等待對方犯錯或形勢轉變後再行動。因此，真正的智者不會逆著大勢行動，而會像水一樣，在適當時機順勢而為，創造最佳勝利條件。

二、掌握無形的力量：勢如瀑布，節如機發

在《軍形》中，孫子以水流作比喻：「故勝兵若以鎰稱銖，敗兵若以銖稱鎰。勝者之戰民也，若決積水于千仞之谿，形也。」意思是，勝利的軍隊如同從高山奔瀉而下的洪流，強大而不可阻擋，而失敗的軍隊則如同用小砝碼去衡量大砝碼，毫無勝算。這正是「勢」的具體展現——當形勢有利時，應當迅速行動，發揮最大力量，以迅雷不及掩耳之勢擊潰敵軍。

孫子在《兵勢》中進一步強調：「激水之疾，至于漂石者，勢也。鷙鳥之擊，至于毀折者，節也。是故善戰者，其勢險，其節短，勢如張弩，節如機發。」這段話說明了**「勢」的威力來自於高度的累積，而「節」則是將這股勢能轉化為具體行動的瞬間**。戰爭中，戰略的部署（勢）應該像弓弩拉滿弦般充滿潛能，而戰術的執行（節）則應該如同機關扣動般迅速果決。一旦勢能積蓄完成，便應該果斷出擊，給敵人毀滅性的一擊。

這種「勢」的運用，在歷史上屢見不鮮。例如，漢高祖劉邦與項羽爭霸天下時，劉邦並沒有一開始就正面對抗項羽，而是先積蓄實力，等待項羽因驕傲與誤判而削弱自己的勢能，最後利用敵方的錯誤，一舉翻轉戰局，這正是善用「勢」的典範。

三、運用人心與士氣：勇怯來自於勢，非單靠命令

孫子在《兵勢》中提到：「勇怯，勢也。強弱，形也。故善動敵者，形之，敵必從之；予之，敵必取之；以利動之，以實待之。」這句話強調了戰爭中的勇氣與士氣，其實是來自於「勢」，而不是單靠將領的命令。如果能夠為軍隊創造一個「勝利可期」的局勢，那麼士兵自然會英勇作戰；但如果軍隊處於不利境地，無論將領如何鼓舞士氣，恐怕都難以改變戰局。

因此，真正的領導者應該運用「勢」來提高士兵的士氣，而不是單純依賴口號與訓令。例如，在戰爭中，適時展現己方的優勢，如糧草充足、援軍即將抵達、敵軍內部分裂等，都能極大地增強士氣。而在競爭環境中，企業領導者若能夠讓團隊看到成功的希望，例如市場需求旺盛、產品競爭力強，員工自然會投入更多心力去爭取勝利。

四、善用環境刺激戰局：以「不戰而屈人」之勢取勝

孫子在《兵勢》中還提到：「任勢者，其戰人也，如轉木石，木石之性，安則靜，危則動，方則止，圓則行。故善戰人之勢，如轉圓石于千仞之山者，勢也。」這段話的意思是，軍隊的動向應該像從高山滾落的圓石一樣，當勢能積蓄到一定程度時，便能產生驚人的破壞力。

真正的高手不僅會訓練士兵作戰，更會營造一種不可阻擋的戰局，使敵人陷入不利處境，最終不得不屈服。這也是孫子「不戰而屈人之兵」的精髓所在。在現代競爭中，企業可以通過市場佈局、技術壟斷、品牌影響力等手段，讓競爭對手無法正面對抗，最終選擇退出或合作，這與戰爭中的「勢」運用異曲同工。

結論：掌握「勢」，才能掌控勝負

孫子兵法強調，戰爭的勝利不僅取決於兵力的多寡，更關鍵的是如何運用「勢」來影響整個戰局。透過因勢利導、積蓄勢能、調動士氣、利用環境來壓迫敵人，可以讓己方以最小的代價獲取最大的勝利。

歷史上，許多偉大的戰略家都懂得這一點，從劉邦對抗項羽，到拿破崙的戰術運用，再到現代企業競爭的市場策略，無不體現「勢」的智慧。因此，無論是在戰爭還是現代競爭環境中，唯有掌握「勢」，才能真正掌控勝負，最終達成全勝之道。

Utilizing “Shi” (勢) to Achieve Victory: The Strategic Wisdom of The Art of War

In The Art of War, Sun Tzu repeatedly emphasizes the importance of “Shi” (勢), asserting that those who can effectively utilize “Shi” will always hold the advantage in warfare or competition. “Shi” is a comprehensive force that encompasses terrain, military morale, strategic positioning, and resource allocation. It not only influences the development of a conflict but also determines its outcome. Sun Tzu advocates that a true strategist should create favorable conditions, leverage momentum, and achieve victory with minimal cost, much like a powerful waterfall cascading from a thousand-foot cliff.

This article explores how Sun Tzu harnesses “Shi” to secure victory from four key aspects: adapting to circumstances, mastering invisible forces, leveraging morale, and utilizing the environment to shape the battlefield.

1. Adapting to Circumstances: Following the Flow, Not Fighting Against It

Sun Tzu states in Initial Estimations (Shi Ji):

“Listen to assessments of advantage, then create ‘Shi’ to assist external conditions. ‘Shi’ arises from leveraging advantages to control the balance of power.”

This principle underscores that a successful strategist acts according to prevailing trends rather than forcing a situation against its natural course. Victory comes not from blind bravery or strict orders but from analyzing favorable conditions and exploiting trends to determine strategy.

This approach mirrors the way water flows according to terrain. When accumulated in sufficient quantity, water unleashes tremendous force. Similarly, when an enemy’s morale is low or internal divisions arise, this presents a strategic opportunity—one should strike at the right moment. Conversely, when the enemy is strong and united, it is wise to avoid direct confrontation and wait for their situation to deteriorate.

A true strategist moves with the trend, not against it, ensuring the highest chances of success.

2. Mastering Invisible Forces: Momentum Like a Waterfall, Execution Like a Trigger

In Formation (Jun Xing), Sun Tzu uses the analogy of flowing water:

“The victorious army fights like weighing heavy against light, while the defeated army fights like weighing light against heavy. The way to command troops is like releasing a flood from a high mountain—this is ‘Shi’.”

This passage illustrates that victory results from accumulating power and releasing it at the right moment, much like a flood unleashed from a high peak.

In Military Power (Bing Shi), Sun Tzu further elaborates:

“The speed of rushing water can move boulders—this is ‘Shi’. The strike of a predatory bird can break bones—this is precision. Thus, a good commander makes his momentum dangerous and his attacks swift, like a taut bow releasing an arrow.”

This underscores that “Shi” is the strategic buildup of power, while tactical execution is the precise release of that power. Military formations should be charged with potential energy, like a drawn bowstring, ready to unleash destruction in an instant.

A historical example is Liu Bang’s conflict with Xiang Yu during the Chu-Han Contention. Instead of confronting Xiang Yu head-on, Liu Bang patiently built his power while allowing Xiang Yu to exhaust himself through arrogance and poor judgment. Once Xiang Yu’s position weakened, Liu Bang struck decisively and secured victory—an excellent demonstration of strategic “Shi”.

3. Leveraging Morale: Strength Comes from Momentum, Not Just Orders

Sun Tzu emphasizes in Military Power:

“Courage and fear arise from ‘Shi’. Strength and weakness come from formations. A skilled commander shapes the enemy’s actions—if you offer them bait, they will take it; if you provoke them, they will react. Move them with advantage but prepare for them with reality.”

This highlights that a military’s courage and morale stem from “Shi” rather than direct commands. If an army believes in victory, its soldiers will fight with determination; however, if conditions appear unfavorable, no amount of motivational speeches will compensate.

A competent leader should create a favorable perception of victory to boost morale rather than merely issuing commands. For instance, demonstrating logistical superiority, revealing enemy weaknesses, or showcasing imminent reinforcements can all elevate morale. In the corporate world, if a company can show its employees that their products are competitive, demand is high, and market conditions are favorable, motivation will naturally increase.

4. Utilizing the Environment: Winning Without Fighting

Sun Tzu further explains in Military Power:

“A commander who understands ‘Shi’ directs his troops like rolling a boulder down a thousand-foot mountain. When at rest, the boulder remains still; when on a slope, it moves. A square boulder stays, but a round boulder rolls. Thus, a skilled commander maneuvers ‘Shi’ like rolling a round stone from a high peak.”

This analogy illustrates that a commander should set conditions that make victory inevitable, much like a boulder naturally rolling down a slope. A true strategist not only trains his soldiers but also shapes the battlefield to favor his side, compelling the enemy into a disadvantageous position.

This aligns with Sun Tzu’s famous doctrine of “winning without fighting” (subduing the enemy without battle). In modern business competition, companies use similar strategies: instead of engaging in direct price wars, they might leverage branding, intellectual property, or supply chain dominance to push competitors into a weaker position, forcing them to retreat or cooperate.

Conclusion: Mastering “Shi” to Control Victory

The Art of War teaches that victory is determined not only by the size of an army but by how effectively one harnesses “Shi” to shape the battlefield. By adapting to trends, accumulating momentum, inspiring morale, and shaping the environment, one can secure victory with minimal cost and maximum efficiency.

Throughout history, great strategists have understood this principle. From Liu Bang’s patience in defeating Xiang Yu to Napoleon’s masterful battlefield positioning, and even to modern business strategies, the effective use of “Shi” remains a timeless principle.

In both warfare and business, only those who master “Shi” can dictate the outcome, ensuring complete victory with minimal losses.

競思維20：融合的假象（2）動物農莊

 歷史上霸權訴求融合的假象

歷史上許多強權都宣稱實現了內部的大融合，塑造出一幅「天下大同」的景象。然而，這種「融合」往往只是表面的偽裝，內部仍然存在巨大的不平等與壓迫。以《動物農莊》為例，豬驅逐了人類，口號是建立「動物平等」的社會，然而最終，豬成為新的統治者，與人類享樂，其他動物則淪為被剝削的勞工。這種假融合的模式，歷史上屢見不鮮。

在中國歷史上，漢武帝、康熙、乾隆等時代被稱為「盛世」，強調各族融為一體，如唐代的「華夷一家」與清朝的「大一統」。表面上，這些時期國家強盛、疆域擴張，百姓得以溫飽。然而，在這種表象之下，許多忠賢之士、邊緣族群卻付出了血淚代價。例如，漢武帝重用酷吏鎮壓異己，清朝的文字獄禁錮思想，許多知識分子與少數民族被迫屈從，這並非真正的和諧融合，而是弱者的被動忍受。

真正的融合應該是多方平等的相互接納，而非單方面的屈服與妥協。《道德經》說：「知容乃公道久全。」真正能長久的治理，必須建立在包容的基礎上，而非強迫同化或壓制異己。老子的智慧值得深思，他強調「無為而治」，提倡順應自然，讓不同文化與群體找到各自的平衡，而不是用暴力或權謀來塑造表面上的統一。

因此，歷史上所謂的「大融合」往往只是霸權者的宣傳口號，真正的融合事實上不是強者的仁慈，而是弱者的忍讓。歷史上的霸權盛世，都只有曇花一現，無法長久。唯有建立在相互尊重與理解之上的融合，才是公正而長久的。

The Illusion of Integration  in History

Throughout history, many great powers have claimed to achieve internal integration, creating an image of a “harmonious world.” However, this so-called “integration” often proves to be nothing more than a façade, hiding deep-seated inequality and oppression. In Animal Farm, the pigs expel the humans under the banner of “animal equality,” yet they ultimately become the new ruling class, indulging in luxury while the other animals remain exploited laborers. This pattern of false integration has repeated itself throughout history.

In Chinese history, the reigns of Emperor Wu of Han, Kangxi, and Qianlong were labeled as “golden ages,” emphasizing unity among different ethnic groups—such as the Tang Dynasty’s “all under heaven as one family” and the Qing Dynasty’s “great unification.” Superficially, these eras saw national strength, territorial expansion, and relative prosperity for the people. However, beneath this illusion, many loyal officials and marginalized groups paid a heavy price in blood and tears. Emperor Wu of Han used brutal officials to suppress dissent, and the Qing Dynasty’s literary inquisition stifled free thought. Many intellectuals and ethnic minorities were forced into submission, not through genuine integration, but through passive endurance.

True integration should be built on mutual acceptance and equality, rather than forced assimilation or coercion. As the Dao De Jing states: “Only by understanding tolerance can fairness and long-lasting governance be achieved.” Sustainable governance must be based on inclusivity rather than oppression. Laozi’s wisdom is particularly insightful—he advocated for wuwei (non-interference), promoting a natural balance where different cultures and groups coexist without being forcibly homogenized.

Therefore, history’s so-called “great integration” is often merely hegemonic propaganda. True integration is not a product of the strong granting benevolence, but of the weak enduring oppression. Only when built upon mutual respect and understanding can integration be just and enduring.

競思維20：競爭光譜中的「全」

競爭連續體中的全局智慧：最大化全體利益與最小成本的競爭策略

競爭是社會發展的重要驅動力，而競爭連續體從合作到武力衝突，涵蓋不同層級的互動模式。成功的競爭者不僅追求短期勝利，更應關注長遠利益，以「全」的策略來實現全體利益最大化、全局分析計算、全勝於最小成本獲得最大效益、全身而退，以及保全永續生存。孫子兵法中的「全勝」思想提供了寶貴的智慧，使競爭者能夠在不同階段做出最佳選擇。

1. 合作階段（Cooperative Stage）：以共利為基礎，最大化全體利益

在合作階段，雙方的利益仍具有一定程度的一致性，可以透過互惠合作實現雙贏。在這個階段，競爭者應採取**「包容」與「共存」**的策略，建立穩定的關係網絡，讓資源的使用達到最優化。

孫子兵法的啟示：

• 「上兵伐謀，其次伐交」——最優秀的戰略不是攻擊，而是透過智慧與謀略達成目標。

• 「知彼知己，百戰不殆」——在合作中了解對手的利益需求，找到最適合的協作方式，確保雙方的互惠關係。

如果雙方能夠透過合作維持長期穩定，那麼競爭的激烈性可以降低，並共同實現全體利益的最大化。

2. 非武力的對抗競爭（Adversarial Competition Without Armed Conflict Stage）：全局分析，精確計算攻守之道

當競爭加劇，雙方的利益衝突日益明顯，但尚未進入武力對抗，這時候策略的選擇變得至關重要。全局分析（Systematic Analysis）在此階段尤為重要，競爭者應該冷靜計算自身優勢、對手弱點，以及可能的成本與風險，並採取「容忍」（Tolerance）與「妥協」（Compromise）等手段，以最小的代價爭取最大的利益。

孫子兵法的啟示：

• 「不可勝者，守也；可勝者，攻也」——當自身條件不利時應堅守，等到機會成熟再出擊。

• 「非利不動，非得不用，非危不戰」——避免衝動行動，只有在利益最大化時才採取進一步行動。

• 「用兵之法，全軍為上，破軍次之」——以完整的力量競爭，而非犧牲過多資源來獲取勝利。

透過資訊戰、經濟戰、輿論戰等方式來降低對手的競爭優勢，確保自己處於有利位置，避免讓競爭升級到不可控制的局面。

3. 武力衝突（Armed Conflict Stage）：最小成本達成最大效益

當競爭升級至武力衝突，雙方進入最危險的對抗階段。在這種情況下，應避免長期消耗戰，力求速戰速決，以最小成本獲取最大效益。

孫子兵法的啟示：

• 「善用兵者，屈人之兵而非戰也，拔人之城而非攻也」——最好的勝利方式是不戰而屈人之兵，而不是依靠暴力手段取勝。

• 「怒可以復喜，慍可以復悅，亡國不可以復存，死者不可以復生」——衝突應該是理性計算的結果，而非感情衝動的產物。

此時，競爭者應該設法尋找談判機會，或運用外交、經濟、技術等優勢來削弱對手，而不是一味追求毀滅性的勝利。真正的「全勝」應該是以最小的損失換取最大的利益，而不是玉石俱焚。

4. 衝突後和解階段（Post-Conflict Stage）：全身而退，保全永續生存

在競爭結束後，無論勝敗，如何確保長遠的生存與發展才是關鍵。在這個階段，競爭者應該以「和解」（Reconciliation）與「信任重建」（Trust-Building）為核心，重建關係，避免再次陷入惡性循環。

孫子兵法的啟示：

• 「合於利而動，不合於利而止」——競爭者應該根據利益選擇行動，衝突後的首要任務是恢復秩序，而不是無謂地報復。

• 「動而不迷，舉而不窮」——競爭者應該理性計算未來的戰略選擇，確保自己在新的競爭環境中保持優勢。

歷史上許多強權因為在勝利後過度壓迫對手，最終導致新的敵對勢力崛起。例如，第一次世界大戰後的凡爾賽條約對德國過度懲罰，最終催生了第二次世界大戰。因此，真正的勝利應該是能夠確保長期和平與穩定，而不是短期的壓制。

結論：競爭的智慧在於「全」

競爭不應該是單純的零和博弈，而應該是全局性的智慧決策。全體利益最大化、全局分析計算、全勝於最小成本獲得最大效益、全身而退、保全永續生存，這五個原則是成功競爭的關鍵。

孫子兵法的核心思想並非追求絕對的勝利，而是追求「安國全軍」——在競爭中保全自己，同時確保長遠的穩定。無論是企業競爭、國際關係，甚至是個人發展，都應該以這種全局視野來做決策。真正的強者不僅能夠贏得當下的競爭，更能夠確保未來的可持續發展，這才是競爭連續體中最高明的戰略智慧。

The Wisdom of Competition Continuum: Maximizing Collective Benefits with Minimal Costs

Competition is a crucial driving force in societal development, and the competition continuum encompasses different levels of interaction, from cooperation to armed conflict. Successful competitors do not merely seek short-term victories but focus on long-term benefits by adopting strategies that ensure maximization of collective benefits, systematic analysis, achieving victory with minimal costs, strategic retreat, and sustainable survival. Sun Tzu’s philosophy of “complete victory” (quan sheng, 全勝) provides valuable insights, guiding competitors to make the best choices at each stage.

1. Cooperative Stage: Maximizing Collective Benefits Through Mutual Gains

At the cooperative stage, both parties share common interests and can achieve a win-win outcome through mutual benefits. The best strategy here is to practice inclusiveness and coexistence, building stable relationships and optimizing resource utilization.

Insights from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War:

• “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” (善用兵者，屈人之兵而非戰也) – The best strategy is to achieve objectives through wisdom rather than force.

• “Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will not be endangered in a hundred battles.” (知彼知己，百戰不殆) – Understanding the needs and motivations of both sides helps create sustainable cooperation.

By prioritizing negotiation, economic partnerships, and shared development, competitors can reduce hostility and maintain a balance of power, preventing escalation into adversarial competition.

2. Adversarial Competition Without Armed Conflict: Systematic Analysis and Precise Calculation

When competition intensifies but has not yet escalated into physical conflict, systematic analysis becomes essential. Competitors must carefully calculate their strengths, weaknesses, costs, and risks, employing tactics such as strategic tolerance and calculated compromises to minimize losses while maintaining an advantageous position.

Insights from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War:

• “Invincibility lies in defense; the possibility of victory lies in attack.” (不可勝者，守也；可勝者，攻也) – A wise competitor defends when necessary and attacks when conditions are favorable.

• “A commander should not launch an attack unless the benefits outweigh the costs.” (非利不動，非得不用，非危不戰) – Avoid reckless action; strike only when it maximizes returns.

• “Preserving an army intact is better than destroying it.” (全軍為上，破軍次之) – True victory is achieved not by destruction but by outmaneuvering opponents with minimal damage.

Competitors can employ economic measures, strategic alliances, or psychological warfare to weaken rivals without direct confrontation. A well-planned geopolitical, financial, or technological strategy can yield superior outcomes over direct confrontation.

3. Armed Conflict: Achieving Maximum Gains at Minimum Cost

When competition escalates into armed conflict, the priority should be avoiding prolonged wars and excessive costs. The goal is to secure a decisive advantage while minimizing destruction and ensuring post-conflict stability.

Insights from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War:

• “The highest form of victory is to subdue the enemy without battle.” (善用兵者，屈人之兵而非戰也) – Direct warfare should be the last resort.

• “A ruler should not mobilize an army out of anger, nor should a general fight out of frustration.” (主不可以怒而興師，將不可以慍而致戰) – Decisions must be based on rational calculations, not emotions.

Even in war, a competitor should seek to cripple the opponent’s capabilities through economic pressure, intelligence warfare, or strategic positioning, rather than relying solely on military power. The ultimate objective is to end the conflict swiftly and with minimal damage, ensuring that resources remain available for future stability.

4. Post-Conflict Stage: Strategic Withdrawal and Sustainable Survival

Regardless of the competition’s outcome, ensuring long-term survival and prosperity is the ultimate goal. At this stage, competitors should focus on reconciliation and trust-building, preventing further hostilities and securing lasting peace.

Insights from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War:

• “Move when advantageous; cease when unprofitable.” (合於利而動，不合於利而止) – The primary goal after conflict should be restoring order and stability.

• “A wise strategist moves without confusion and acts without desperation.” (動而不迷，舉而不窮) – Strategic decisions should consider the long-term balance of power.

History has shown that excessive punishment of a defeated opponent often leads to future conflicts. For example, the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles after World War I directly contributed to the outbreak of World War II. True victory lies in securing long-term peace, rather than short-term domination.

Conclusion: The Wisdom of “Complete Victory” in Competition

Competition should not be seen as a zero-sum game but as a strategic balancing act. By adhering to five key principles—maximizing collective benefits, systematic analysis, achieving victory at minimal cost, strategic withdrawal, and ensuring long-term survival—competitors can navigate the competition continuum effectively.

Sun Tzu’s philosophy emphasizes that the ultimate goal is not total destruction but long-term stability. Whether in business, politics, or military strategy, decision-makers should focus on sustainable competitive advantages rather than reckless conquest.

True greatness in competition is not just about winning battles but about securing a future where all players can continue to thrive. By embracing a comprehensive, calculated, and forward-thinking approach, competitors can achieve lasting success without unnecessary sacrifices.