Military / Strategy / Classical Texts
Military / Strategy / Classical TextsThe Attack by Fire
Use special means only when conditions are right, and never let emotion control escalation.
Nomes alternativos
The Attack by Fire / 火攻 / Art of War Chapter 12
Domínios
Strategy, leadership, planning, deception, competition
Chapter Focus
- Use special means only when conditions are right, and never let emotion control escalation.
- Alternate chapter title: The Attack by Fire
- Chinese chapter title: 火攻
- This chapter page groups three practical quote cards from the same chapter.
Selected Rules
- Rule 12.1: Specialized tactics need classification and discipline.
- Rule 12.2: Tools amplify strategy when used with judgment.
- Rule 12.3: Escalation must be justified.
Rule 12.1
- Chinese original:
凡火攻有五。 - Working English: There are five ways to attack with fire.
- Simple definition: Specialized tactics need classification and discipline.
- Simple explanation: Do not use powerful tools vaguely; know the exact method and effect.
- Simple usage: Separate disruption tactics into categories: price attack, narrative attack, channel attack, timing attack, and capability attack.
Rule 12.2
- Chinese original:
以火佐攻者明，以水佐攻者強。 - Working English: One who uses fire intelligently in attack shows clarity; one who uses water well gains force.
- Simple definition: Tools amplify strategy when used with judgment.
- Simple explanation: Means matter, but timing and intelligence matter more.
- Simple usage: Use the right lever for the right moment instead of applying the same playbook everywhere.
Rule 12.3
- Chinese original:
非利不動，非得不用，非危不戰。 - Working English: Do not move without advantage, do not act without gain, do not fight unless necessary.
- Simple definition: Escalation must be justified.
- Simple explanation: Pride is a terrible decision rule.
- Simple usage: Do not start a public conflict unless the likely upside clearly exceeds the cost.