The Three Strategies, Lower Volume

Section 7: On Governing Heroes and the Unity of Command

Regarding those who act as shepherds of the people: those known as "scholars" original: "士" (shi); referring to the educated elite or warrior-gentlemen are heroes. Therefore it is said: if you ensnare these heroes in your net, then the enemy state will be impoverished.

Heroes are the mainstays literally the "trunk" (gan) of the state; the common people are the foundation literally the "root" (ben) of the state. If you secure the mainstays and gather the foundation, then your governance will be implemented without resentment.

The essence of employing the military lies in exalting courtesy li: the traditional codes of conduct, respect, and ritual and providing substantial rewards. When courtesy is exalted, wise scholars will arrive; when rewards are substantial, righteous scholars will treat death lightly.

Therefore, if you reward the worthy without begrudging the wealth, and reward merit without letting the moment pass original: "賞功不踰時"; meaning the reward should follow the deed immediately for maximum effect, then those below will unite their strength, and the enemy state will be weakened.

The way to employ men is to honor them with noble rank and provide for them with wealth; then the scholars will come of their own accord. Receive them with courtesy and inspire them with righteousness; then the scholars will die for you.

A commander original: "將帥" (jiangshuai) must share the same tastes literally "the same flavors" and share the same dangers as his soldiers. Only then can the enemy be overcome. Thus, the army achieves total victory, and the enemy’s defeat is absolute.

When the soldiers and officers are of one heart, I can achieve a total victory; the reason why the enemy cannot withstand me is also entirely due to this unity.

In ancient times, when a fine general commanded his troops, if someone presented him with a vessel of wine original: "簞醪" (danlao); a small basket or container of unstrained spirits, he would order it poured into the river so that he and his soldiers [could drink together from the current]...