ABSTRACT

In general, in warfare if the enemy is numerous while you are few, if the enemy is strong while you are weak, you must set out numerous flags and pennants, double the number of cookfires, and display strength to the enemy. If you make it impossible for the enemy to determine your numbers as many or few or your strategic power as strong or weak, they will certainly not lightly engage you in battle. Thus you will be able to rapidly depart, thereby preserving your army and keeping harm distant. A tactical principle from the Art of War states: "Strength and weakness are a matter of disposition."