Hello everyone, this is a continuation of my Art of War review series. Part 11 is extremely long (68 segments), so I am breaking it into 3 different parts around 22 segments each. I am happy that so many people seem to be enjoying this series, but I am also excited to see it end, so I can broaden my topics from book reviews and music, to music and some other series that people find entertaining. Anyway, here is Part 11a: The Nine Situations. (Please Note that I typed everything myself, and did NOT copy any online sources, however this is based on the Giles 1910 translation which is in the Public Domain).
[Image Source: pixabay.com, License: CCO Public Domain]
Art of War original text
cmp2020 commentary
The Nine Situations
1. Sun Tzu said: The art of war recognizes nine varieties of ground: (1) dispersive ground; (2) facile ground; (3) contentious ground; (4) open ground; (5) ground of intersecting highways; (6) serious ground; (7) difficult ground; (8) hemmed-in ground; (9) desperate ground.
There are nine varieties of situation: (1) situation in which your resources are distributed, (2) situation in which your resources are slightly concentrated, but not much, (3) situation in which either side can gain advantage, (4) situation where both sides have great flexibility, (5) situation where the side that gains the advantage first has control over the other, (6) situation in which one has control over his opponent, but their is a small amount of resistance that possess a threat, (7) situations where there are obstacles placed in the way without either side placing them, (8) situations that must be seen committed to, for backing off will cause danger for one, and (9) situation which must be dealt with quickly in order to avoid destruction.
2. When a chieftain is fighting in his own territory, it is dispersive ground.
When your resources are divided within your own organization, they are dispersed and can lead to both advantage and disadvantage. (Real world example: If Apple spends most of its money buying golden toilet seats for each building, it will be at a disadvantage in the market and have deficit, but if it spends most of its money competing in the market, and the rest on features for their own stores they will most likely make profit).
3. When he has penetrated into hostile territory, but to no great distance it is facile ground.
When one's resources are concentrated, but not much they are likely to gain a slight advantage, but not much. (Real world example: One hit wonders, artists that make one song that everyone loves, but then loses interest/focus in writing music).
4. Ground the possession of which imports great advantage to either side is contentious ground.
There are situations where either side can gain advantage. (Real world example: An auction in which the product would be extremely profitable to either party competing).
5. Ground on which each side has liberty of movement is open ground.
There are also situations in which both sides have flexibility to make decisions without problem from the other side. (Real world example: Apple and Samsung can both decide to make new smartphones without any pressure from their opponents)
6. Ground which forms the key to three contiguous states, so that he who occupies it first has most of the empire at his command, is a ground of intersecting highways.
Likewise, there are situations where the side that takes the opportunity first, gains complete control over their competitor. (Real world example: A company has a great deal of profit because its product beat its competitor's, so it buys out its competitor).
7. When an army has penetrated into the heart of a hostile country, leaving a number of fortified cities in its rear, it is serious ground.
There are also situations where you gain control over your opponent, but there is resistance that threatens your authority (Real world example: Ronda Rousey had control over the UFC champion belt in her division, but there were people who thought themselves better than her who beat her, sadly).
8. Mountain forests, rugged steeps, marshes and fens-all country that is hard to traverse: this is difficult ground.
There are also situations where there are problems presented that weren't caused by anyone competing. (A company goes out of business because its customers are driven away by a natural disaster).
9. Ground which is reached through narrow gorges, and from which we can only retire by torturous paths, so that a small number of the enemy would suffice to crush a large body of our men: this is hemmed-in ground.
There are also situations that must be seen committed to, for backing off will cause danger for one. (Real world example: You can't take a loan and decide not to pay it back, as much as the college kids would like that).
10. Ground on which we can only be saved from destruction by fighting without delay, is desperate ground.
Lastly, there are situations in which you must solve a problem in only one way, without trying any other means. (Real world example: If you are in debt, you must pay it off right away or declare bankruptcy, or go to jail).
11. On dispersive ground, therefore, fight not. On facile ground, halt not. On contentious ground, attack not.
In situations where your resources are dispersed widely, don't attack your opponent, and in situations where your resources are slightly concentrated, continue towards your goal. (Real world example: You don't go on vacation if your money is divided between the bills, the mortgage, and the food. You do go on vacation if you have money left over after these expenses). In situations where both you and your enemy can gain advantages, don't try to stop your enemy. (Real world example: A company does not try to stop their competitor from releasing a new product, but rather release a better product than their competitor).
12. On open ground, do not try to block the enemy's way. On the ground of intersecting highways, join hands with your allies.
In situations in which both sides have flexibility to make decisions without problem from the other side, don't try to stop your competitor. In situations where the advantages you gain will give you control of your competitor get as much help from those you trust as possible.
13. On serious ground, gather in plunder. In difficult ground, keep steadily on the march.
In situations where some resist your authority, gain resources by force. (Real world example: Lincoln had General Sherman burn everything in his path on the way up from the south, to take the south's resources). In situations where problems arise caused by an outside force, continue towards your goal. (Real world example: If a shark does not swim, it drowns).
14. On hemmed-in ground, resort to stratagem. On desperate ground, fight.
In situations that must be seen committed to, for backing off will cause danger, use strategy, and in situations which must be dealt with quickly in order to avoid destruction face your problem head on.
15. Those who were called skillful leaders of old knew how to drive a wedge between the enemy's front and rear; to prevent co-operation between his large and small divisions; to hinder the good troops from rescuing the bad, the officers from rallying their men.
Do not give your opponent the luxury of communication between him and his allies, keep your opponent's spirits low, and obstacles to cooperation high. (Real world example: When in prison, you are cut out from your friends and family, and face time based on cooperation).
16. When the enemy's men were scattered, they prevented them from concentrating; even when their forces were untied, they managed to keep them in disorder.
17. When it was to their advantage, they made a forward move; when otherwise, they stopped still.
Do not give your opponent time to reorganize. (Real world example: In chess, you do not avoid putting your opponent in check mate. You take it the second it appears).
18. If asked how to cope with a great host of the enemy in orderly array and on the point of marching to the attack, I should say: "Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will."
To take control of your opponent, control something they love. (Real world example: If you wish to go on a date with a girl [not to say the girl is your opponent ;)] ask her to go somewhere she can't resist going).
19. Rapidity is the essence of war; take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.
Do what your opponent is least expecting as fast as possible to maintain the element of surprise. (Real world example: Call of Duty keeps the title of its new game every year a secret to generate suspense in its audience. [I stopped paying attention after infinite warfare]).
20. The following are the principles to be observed by an invading force: The further you penetrate into a country, the greater will be the solidarity of your troops, and thus the defenders will not prevail against you.
The more you commit to your plans, the more trust you will have from your supporters. (Real world example: A politician that does what he promises generates trust amongst voters, and therefore, a higher approval rate).
21. Make forays in fertile country in order to supply your army with food.
Fall into situations which will generate resources for your cause. (Real world example: The first thing a new company does is release products to generate a steady form of income).
22. Carefully study the well-being of your men, and do not overtax them. Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength. Keep your army continually on the move, and devise unfathomable plans.
Only take from your supporters what you can without negatively impacting them. Keep them disciplined, and focused, and create plans that are unpredictable. (Real world example: A good school elective will fundraise to generate income to buy equipment, rather than use the tax payers' dollars and therefore the government's guns).
23. Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight. If they will face death, there is nothing they may not achieve. Officers and men alike will put forth their uttermost strength.
Provide your supporters with situations where they must be loyal to you to survive. This will show they are willing to sacrifice everything for you and your cause, and therefore make your organization stronger. (Real world example: A soldier is willing to die to defend his country, making the army braver, and more efficient).
Part 6a: Weak Points and Strong
Part 6b: Weak Points and Strong
Part 7b: Maneuvering
Part 8: Variation in Tactics
Part 9a: The Army on the March
Part 9b: The Army on the March
Thanks for reading this! Hopefully I will have another review up on Wednesday, as I have a study hall. As always, feedback is appreciated, and remember to check back later!
Also remember to check for: My weekly 7 post, and My Art of War Review