Page:The book of war, the military classic of the Far East (IA bookofwarmilitar00caltiala).pdf/36

with the normal and defeated by the abnormal force.^[1]

The abnormal force, skilfully handled, is like the heaven and earth, eternal; as the tides and the flow of rivers, unceasing; like the sun and moon, for ever interchanging; coming and passing, as the seasons.

There are five notes; but by combinations, innumerable harmonies are produced. There are but five colours; but if we mix them, the shades are infinite. There are five tastes, but if we mix them there are more flavours than the palate can distinguish.^[2]

In war there are but two forces, the normal and the abnormal; but they are capable of infinite variation. Their mutual interchange is like a wheel, having neither beginning or end. They are a mystery that none can penetrate.

1. The normal and the abnormal refer to what in modern phrase are termed the frontal or holding force and the flanking or surprise force.
2. The five cardinal tastes are, acridity, bitterness, sourness, sweetness and saline taste.