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[I follow Mei Yao-ch'en here. The other commentators refer not to

the ruler, as in §§ 13, 14, but to the officers he employs. Thus

Tu Yu says: "If a general is ignorant of the principle of

adaptability, he must not be entrusted with a position of

authority." Tu Mu quotes: "The skilful employer of men will

employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the

stupid man. For the wise man delights in establishing his merit,

the brave man likes to show his courage in action, the covetous

man is quick at seizing advantages, and the stupid man has no

fear of death."]

16. But when the army is restless and distrustful, trouble is

sure to come from the other feudal princes. This is simply

bringing anarchy into the army, and flinging victory away.

17. Thus we may know that there are five essentials for victory:

(1) He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.