Hello everyone, this is a continuation of my Art of War review series. It's great to be back on a schedule, but the only downside is I have less time to write. This is the 3rd segment of part 11. After this, it is smooth sailing, two parts left and this series is done, because 12 and 13 aren't that long. This is the last segmented review, so let's get into it. (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
46. Therefore, on dispersive ground, I would inspire my men with unity of purpose. On facile ground, I would see that there is close connection between all parts of my army.
Therefore, in situations in which your resources are distributed inspire your employees with hope. (Real world example: Even though the price of STEEM is low, the members of the community are still hopeful that it will one day go back up, so they stay). In situations in which your resources are slightly concentrated, but not much, see that all of your supporters are all in sync and informed.
47. On contentious ground, I would hurry up my rear.
In situations in which either side can gain advantage, solve whatever problems you can as fast as you can. (Real world example: If a business is in debt, it tries to pay it off as fast as possible if their competitor is coming out with a new product).
48. On open ground, I would keep a vigilant eye on my defenses. On ground of intersecting highways, I would consolidate my alliances.
In situations where both sides have great flexibility, strengthen your defenses. In situations where the side that gains the advantage first has control over the other, utilize your resources. (Real world example: In the space race, the U.S. used its resources to send the first men to the moon, to beat Russia, either side could have accomplished this).
49. On serious ground, I would try to ensure a continuous stream of supplies. On difficult ground, I would keep pushing along the road.
In situations in which one has control over his opponent, but there is a small amount of resistance that possess a threat try to ensure an abundance of resources. In situations where there are obstacles placed in the way without either side placing them continue to work towards your goals. (Real world example: As I said in one of the other parts, A shark that does not swim drowns).
50. On hemmed-in ground, I would block any way of retreat. On desperate ground, I would proclaim to my soldiers the hopelessness of saving their lives.
51. For it is the soldier's disposition to offer an obstinate resistance when surrounded, to fight hard when he cannot help himself, and to obey promptly when he has fallen into danger.
In situations that must be seen committed to, for backing off will cause danger for one, make your opponent also commit to his actions. In situations which must be dealt with quickly in order to avoid destruction, tell your supporters that they are also going down to ensure their loyalty. (Real world example:
52. We cannot enter into alliance with neighboring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country-its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.
Do not trust those who you don't understand. Do not take action if you don't understand circumstance. To make profit, learn to identify the situations you are in. (Real world example: The police don't just trust random people to be telling the truth. They shouldn't arrest someone unless they have a sufficient amount of evidence).
53. To be ignored of any one of the following four or five principles does not befit a warlike prince.
Don't ignore these four or five principles.
54. When a warlike prince attacks a powerful state, his generalship shows itself in preventing the concentration of the enemy's forces. He overawes his opponents, and their allies are prevented from joining against him.
If you are to compete with a powerful competitor, prevent your competitor from communicating with their supporters. (Real world example: A politician will try to debunk his competitor's reputation to gain the support of his competitor's voters).
55. Hence he does not strive to ally himself with all and sundry, nor does he foster the power of other states. He carries out his own secret designs, keeping his antagonists in awe. Thus he is able to capture their cities and overthrow their kingdoms.
Therefore, do not be friendly to all, and don't use other people to get your job accomplished. Keep secrets, to succeed at achieving your goals. (Real world example: An investor does not invest in every single business there is, they invest in the businesses they deem profitable to invest in, and keep their investments private from the eyes of other investors).
56. Bestow rewards without regard to rule, issue orders without regard to previous arrangements; and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man.
Give your supporters rewards, and make decisions in favor of them, and they will work more efficiently for your cause. (Real world example: If a business owner engages his employees by giving them discounts, and allowing them freedom in aspects like overtime, then they will work harder and more efficient for him).
57. Confront your soldiers with the deed itself; never let them know your design. When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.
Tell your supporters what you want, but never reveal how you plan to obtain it, even if the odds seem to be in your favor. (Real world example: A scientist will inform those who support him of what he wants to discover, but won't tell them the experiments he plans to use to discover it until he publishes his work).
58. Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.
Give your supporters reason to work. (Real world example: That's why you get paychecks).
59. For it is precisely when a force has fallen into harm's way that is capable of striking a blow for victory.
When your goals are questioned is the point that you are capable of outdoing your opponent. (Real world example: As an investor you want to buy shares in a company when the price is low).
60. Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.
Success takes place when you understand your enemy's ambitions as well as your own. (Real world example: If you want to curate well in steemit you have to guess what the whales will vote for, and try to vote for it first. [Bots included])
61. By persistently hanging on the enemy's flank, we shall succeed in the long run in killing the commander-in-chief.
62. This is called ability to accomplish a thing by sheer cunning.
By doing things your opponent least expects you to, you will defeat them from the top down. (Real world example: A hustler tricks their opponent into thinking they're bad and then beats them without any hint).
63. On the day that you take up your command, block the frontier passes, destroy the official tallies, and stop the passage of all emissaries.
When you gain control, cut off your supporters from communicating with the enemy's supporters. (Real world example: When stocks are getting ready to launch, there is a time period where the company makes no public statements).
64. Be stern in the council-chamber, so that you may control the situation.
Be stern with your supporters, to maintain control over the situation. (Real world example: A general is still strict on his officers, even though he doesn't have to be. This maintains loyalty among the ranks).
65. If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.
Always take opportunities.
66. Forestall your opponent by seizing what he holds dear, and subtly contrive to time his arrival on the ground.
Delay your opponent, by taking what he loves. (Real world example: If a business owner loves having time to think decisions through, work quickly to take his time away).
67. Walk in the path defined by rule, and accommodate yourself to the enemy until you can fight a decisive battle.
Do what you are told, and prepare yourself to work as hard as possible for what you want. (Real world example: Pro fighters train 6 months just to prepare for one fight).
68. At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.
At first, seem weak until you have an opportunity. When you find an opportunity, work fast, to eliminate the gift of time for your enemy. (Real world example: A football play where they purposefully leave one running back exposed to give the running back with the ball a chance to score. While the defense focuses on the fake for a split second, the real one attempts to out run them).
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! Two more to go!! Whoo. Tomorrow I have Piano lessons and Music Theory so I will be uploading something else, and Friday I have the Weekly 7. But, hopefully this weekend I will finally be able to finish this series off. As always, feedback is appreciated, and please check back later!
Also remember to check for: My weekly 7 post, and My Art of War Review