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[Opinions differ as to what Sun Tzŭ had in mind. Ts'ao Kung

thinks it is "some strategical advantage on which the enemy is

depending." Tu Mu says: "The three things which an enemy is

anxious to do, and on the accomplishment of which his success

depends, are: (1) to capture our favourable positions; (2) to

ravage our cultivated land; (3) to guard his own communications."

Our object then must be to thwart his plans in these three

directions and thus render him helpless. [Cf. III. § 3.] By

boldly seizing the initiative in this way, you at once throw the

other side on the defensive.]

19. Rapidity is the essence of war: