"The first step is to attack the enemy with the enemy's strategy, then the second is to attack the enemy, the second is to attack the army, and the third is to attack the city" means that in military operations, using strategy to defeat the enemy's strategic intentions or war actions is the best policy, and the second is to defeat the enemy's strategic intentions or war behavior. The first is to defeat the enemy with diplomacy, the third is to defeat the enemy with force, and the last resort is to attack the enemy's city. In other words, when facing an enemy, we should prioritize the use of strategy and diplomacy to solve problems, and only consider the use of force when these methods are not feasible.

Where does it come from?

“The first step is to attack the enemy, then the second is to attack the enemy, the second is to attack the enemy, and then the third is to attack the city.” It comes from the word “strategize and attack” in the ancient Chinese military classic “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu. Chapter.

Excerpt from the original text

The first is to attack the enemy, the second is to attack the enemy, the second is to attack the enemy, and the third is to attack the city. Attacking the city is the next step, and attacking the heart is the top step. All the methods of military use include thousands of chariots, thousands of leather chariots, hundreds of thousands of armor, traveling thousands of miles, arriving suddenly at the critical moment of battle. This is called the virtue of victory, and it is not the general who is brave. Therefore, the victory is invincible, but it depends on heaven, not on the general.

Translation?

The best strategy for using troops is to defeat the enemy strategically, the second is to defeat the enemy diplomatically, the third is to defeat the enemy with offense, and the last strategy is to attack the enemy's city. Attacking the city is the next step, and attacking the heart is the top step. The rules for using troops are: Thousands of convoys, tens of thousands of soldiers, traveling thousands of miles, arriving at the battlefield quickly like flying. This is not because the general is brave, but because of luck. Therefore, victory or failure depends on fate and not on the general.

Appreciation?

This sentence aims to explain that in terms of using troops, the most brilliant thing is strategy, followed by diplomacy, followed by force, and the lowest one is siege. In military confrontation, if disputes can be resolved through political, economic, cultural, diplomatic and other means, that is the best military strategy. The second is to defeat the enemy through diplomatic means such as alliances and friendships. If the enemy's war behavior is unavoidable, use part of the military force to deal with the enemy in order to minimize the damage of the war. The last resort is to attack the enemy city, as this is a costly military operation.

Creative background?

"The Art of War" is one of the ancient Chinese military classics and one of the most famous military classics in the world. It was created by Sun Wu (alias Changqing) during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, and is one of the most important military books in ancient China. This book summarizes Sun Wu's military experience as a general and provided very important guidance for the military leaders at that time.

Notes

Advancing troops: The best strategy for using troops.

Strategy: Relying on the use of strategy, including the comprehensive operation of political, economic, cultural, diplomatic and other means.

Defeat diplomatic relations: Mobilize the power of one's own country and related countries, show determination, create overwhelming advantage or balance of power, and achieve strategic goals without resorting to force through conflicts and compromises.

Confrontation: Use part of the military force to deal with the enemy outside its political and economic center of gravity, so as to minimize the damage of war.

Siege: capture the enemy's strategic locations or even all territory.

Life inspiration

In real life, we can also get inspiration from this famous saying. When facing difficulties and problems, we should not rush to resort to the most violent means, but should start from other aspects, such as seeking solutions through communication and negotiation, rational analysis, innovative thinking, etc. Only when these methods fail to solve the problem should we consider taking stronger measures to solve the problem. At the same time, in the decision-making process, we must also learn to weigh the pros and cons and avoid losses and sacrifices as much as possible.