The Art of War: Chapter 1 – Sentence 10
This page contains my translation of Sentence 10 of Chapter 1:
To do so, ask these 7 questions: Which ruler is more in line with the Dao, and is in greater harmony and has more unity with his people? Which general has the greater ability? Which general has the better situation with respect to the benefits of the heavens and the earth? Which general has the more capable command structure? Which general has the stronger army? Which general has better trained officers and men? Which general has a more clear system of rewards and punishments? From these, I can predict who will achieve victory and who will suffer defeat.