Terrain is classified into six types—accessible, entangling, temporizing, narrow passes, precipitous heights, and distant positions—and a responsible general must study and apply these principles.
By Sun Tzu, from L'Art de la guerre
Key Arguments
- The text enumerates six distinct terrain categories that shape strategic and tactical choices.
- Definitions and prescriptions are provided for each type, indicating their practical import for planning and action.
- Sun Tzu explicitly instructs generals to carefully study these Earth-related principles.
Source Quotes
Terrain 1. Sun Tzu said: We may distinguish six kinds of terrain, to wit: (1) Accessible ground; (2) entangling ground; (3) temporizing ground; (4) narrow passes; (5) precipitous heights; (6) positions at a great distance from the enemy. 2.
13. These six are the principles connected with Earth. The general who has attained a responsible post must be careful to study them. 14.
Key Concepts
- We may distinguish six kinds of terrain, to wit:
- These six are the principles connected with Earth. The general who has attained a responsible post must be careful to study them.
Context
x. Terrain (lines 633–713) — introduction of terrain typology and its mandatory study