philosophically, the book is a synthesis of confucian, legalist, and daoist ideas. confucian concepts present in the text include an emphasis on the importance of the commander's cultivation of benevolence (仁) and righteousness (義), humanitarian government via the promotion of the welfare of the people, rule by virtue (德), and promotion of the worthy (賢人). legalist concepts present in the text include an emphasis on strengthening the state, the implementation of rewards and punishments through the strict and impartial enforcement of the law, and the assumption that power is best concentrated in a single, majestic sovereign. the book's general daoist perspective is recognized by its emphasis on a passive, harmonious social ideal, the ideal of achieving victory without contending, the importance of preserving life, the importance of dao and de, and the fundamental evilness of warfare. this daoist perspective pervades the book, but is modified to reflect the complicated realities associated with involvement in politics and warfare. the text asserts that aspects of all three theories are useful for achieving good government.