Sun Tzu – The Art of War 5.11

The direct and the indirect lead on to each other in turn. It is like moving in a circle—you never come to an end. Who can exhaust the possibilities of their combination?

Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is a timeless classic that offers valuable insights on strategy and warfare. One of the key principles emphasized throughout the text is the idea that there are only two methods of attack in battle: the direct and the indirect. In verse 5.11, Sun Tzu explains that these two methods lead on to each other in turn, and are like moving in a circle – you never come to an end.

What Sun Tzu is saying here is that the direct and indirect methods of attack are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they are interconnected and can be used in combination with each other to create an endless series of maneuvers. This means that a skilled commander can use a combination of direct and indirect tactics to gain the upper hand in any situation.

For example, a direct attack might be used to weaken an enemy’s defenses, while an indirect attack might be used to strike at their vulnerable flanks or supply lines. By using a combination of these tactics, a commander can keep their opponent off balance and create opportunities for victory.

Furthermore, Sun Tzu emphasizes that the possibilities of the combination of direct and indirect methods of attack are inexhaustible. This means that a skilled commander should never be complacent and should always be looking for new and innovative ways to use these methods to gain an advantage over their opponent.

In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s principle of the direct and indirect methods of attack, as explained in verse 5.11, emphasizes the importance of understanding how these two methods are interconnected and can be used in combination to create an endless series of maneuvers. By mastering these methods and being innovative in their application, a skilled commander can gain the upper hand in any situation.