6. Weak Points and Strong

25

In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them;

The piquancy of the paradox evaporates in translation. Concealment is perhaps not so much actual invisibility (see supra ss. 9) as "showing no sign" of what you mean to do, of the plans that are formed in your brain.

conceal your dispositions, and you will be safe from the prying of the subtlest spies, from the machinations of the wisest brains.

Tu Mu explains: "Though the enemy may have clever and capable officers, they will not be able to lay any plans against us."