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Legalism -> Shang Jun Shu -> Military Defence -> 1

A state that has to fight on four fronts values defence,
and a state that rests against the sea values attack.
For, if a state that fights on four fronts is fond of raising soldiers, it will be in a dangerous position, as it has to resist four neighbours.
As soon as a country with four neighbours begins hostilities, four countries mobilize armies; therefore is it said that the country is in a dangerous position.
If a state that has to fight on four fronts is unable to raise, from a city of ten thousand houses, an army of more than ten thousand men, then the state will be in a dangerous position.
Therefore is it said: 'A state that has to fight on four fronts should concern itself with defensive warfare.'


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