Heaven, Terrain, and Human Unity

English translation

Mencius said, “Favorable timing is no match for the advantages of terrain, and terrain is no match for the unity of the people. A city with an inner wall three li around and an outer wall seven li around may be besieged without being taken. The besiegers must have had a favorable moment, yet still failed; this shows that timing is inferior to terrain. The walls were not low, the moat was not shallow, the weapons and armor were not weak or blunt, and grain was not scarce—yet the defenders abandoned the city. This shows that terrain is inferior to the people’s unity. Thus a ruler cannot bind the people by boundaries, secure a state by mountain passes, or awe the world by arms alone. One who follows the Way receives much support; one who abandons it receives little. With the least support, even one’s kin turn away; with the greatest, the world comes over. Backed by all whom the world follows, one attacks the ruler whom even his own kin have turned against. Therefore, a noble person may avoid battle; if battle comes, victory is certain.”