 The five phase makes possible both explanation and prediction. When we understand the interaction of the five phases, it becomes possible to understand how things will change, which gives us the ability to make use of them. The phases govern activity as well, including human activity. Through understanding the phases we come to understand which kinds of activity will be most effective at performing certain kinds of tasks, attaining certain kinds of ends. This is all relevant for those in government, particularly the ruler (such people are the text’s primary audience), as understanding of the phases will allow the ruler to properly evaluate and appraise others, knowing who to elevate to particular positions, based on their abilities as determined by the phases.