Action
3
(47) Acting after due Consideration 461. Let a man reflect on what will be lost, what will be acquired and (from these) what will be his ultimate gain, and (then, let him) act. 462. There is nothing too difficult to (be attained by) those who, before they act, reflect well themselves, and thoroughly consider (the matter) with chosen friends. 463. The Wise men will not, in the hopes of profit, undertake works that will consume their principal. 464. Those who fear reproach will not commence anything which has not been (thoroughly considered) and made clear to them. 465. One way to promote the prosperity of an enemy, is (for a king) to set out (to war) without having thoroughly weighed his ability (to cope with its chances). 466. He will perish who does what is not fit to do; and he also will perish who does not do what it is fit to do. 467. Consider, and then undertake a matter; after having undertaken it, to say "We will consider," is folly. 468. The work, which is not done by suitable methods, will fail though many stand to uphold it. 469. There are failures even in acting well, when it is done without knowing the various dispositions of men.
description
Good habits
Transcript of Action
(47) Acting after due Consideration
461. Let a man reflect on what will be lost, what will be acquired and (from these) what will be his ultimate gain, and (then, let him) act.
462. There is nothing too difficult to (be attained by) those who, before they act, reflect well themselves, and thoroughly consider (the matter) with chosen friends.
463. The Wise men will not, in the hopes of profit, undertake works that will consume their principal.
464. Those who fear reproach will not commence anything which has not been (thoroughly considered) and made clear to them.
465. One way to promote the prosperity of an enemy, is (for a king) to set out (to war) without having thoroughly weighed his ability (to cope with its chances).
466. He will perish who does what is not fit to do; and he also will perish who does not do what it is fit to do.
467. Consider, and then undertake a matter; after having undertaken it, to say "We will consider," is folly.
468. The work, which is not done by suitable methods, will fail though many stand to uphold it.
469. There are failures even in acting well, when it is done without knowing the various dispositions of men.
470. Let a man reflect, and do things which bring no reproach; the world will not approve, with him, of things which do not become of his position to adopt.
(68) Modes of Action
671. Consultation ends in forming a resolution (to act); (but) delay in the execution of that resolve is an evil.
672. Sleep over such (actions) as may be slept over; (but) never over such as may not be slept over.
673. Whenever it is possible (to overcome your enemy) the act (of fighting) is certainly good; if not, endeavour to employ some more successful method.
674. When duly considered, the incomplete execution of an undertaking and hostility will grow and destroy one like the (unextinguished) remnant of a fire.
675. Do an act after a due consideration of the (following) five, viz. money, means, time, execution and place.
676. An act is to be performed after considering the exertion required, the obstacles to be encountered, and the great profit to be gained (on its completion).
677. The method of performance for one who has begun an act is to ascertain the mind of him who knows the secret thereof.
678. To make one undertaking the means of accomplishing another (similar to it) is like making one rutting elephant the means of capturing another.
679. One should rather hasten to secure the alliance of the foes (of one's foes) than perform good offices to one's friends.
680. Ministers of small states, afraid of their people being frightened, will yield to and acknowledge their superior foes, if the latter offer them a chance of reconciliation.
