The Art of War by: Sun Tzu Review Part 10b: Terrain
Hello everyone, this is the next half of part 10. This post is going to be kind of short in segments because I didn't split the segment amount for yesterdays post in half, I got 20/31 done because cutting it at 16 would have made absolutely no sense, and cut it off right in the middle of a list. As consequence, this post has fewer segments, but what is most important is that you learn all 31, how doesn't matter. Anyway, here is Part 10b: Terrain. (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
Terrain
21. The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally; but a power of estimating the adversary, of controlling the forces of victory, and of shrewdly calculating difficulties, dangers and distances, constitutes the test of a great general.
A leader being able to determine the scale of the problems he is facing makes him average; but a leader who can predict his opponent's actions, the problems he will face, and the lengths he will have to go to achieve what he wants makes him great. (Real world example: Any successful CEO knows the problems they will face, as well as how to solve them. They also have an idea of what their competitor's plan is, and how to combat it. Most importantly, they know what they will sacrifice to achieve what they want).
22. He who knows these things, and in fighting puts his knowledge into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor practices them, will surely be defeated.
If you use these principles, you will surely win.. If you don't use these principles, you will be defeated by those who do. (Real world example: One company is successful because decisions are made using these principles, and the other is bankrupt because they neglect them).
23. If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.
Do what is certain to provide profit, even if those around you are against it; in this same way, avoid what will result in deficit, even if those around you welcome it. (Real world example: Deciding between going out and drinking with your friends, or studying. Studying will provide you with a better GPA, so you study because it provides profit. Drinking will provide you with nothing profitable, and could make you miss school. Avoid this, it will cause deficit).
24. The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.
A leader who solely acts on common sense; not what makes him rich or popular, is a rare and valuable leader. (Real world example: The founding fathers of the U.S. worked to split from England not because it was the most popular idea, but because they believed it was the right thing to do).
25. Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.
If you have sympathy and compassion for your supporters, they will do as you do no matter what the cost. (Real world example: People buy concert tickets to see stars because the stars are kind to their fans).
26. If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, more over of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be linked to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.
If you are too kind to your supporters, and feel too much sympathy and compassion, they are not worthwhile for your cause because they are spoiled into disobedience. They may wind up harming you in this sense. (Real world example: John Lennon was shot by a fan of his because he didn't have enough security, and trusted his fan too much).
27. If we know that our own men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the enemy is not open to attack, we have gone only half way towards victory.
If you know your supporters will follow you, but you don't have any option to work towards your goal, you are only half way to victory. (Real world example: Arnold Schwarzenegger wanted to run for president of the U.S. He had the fan base to do it, but because he is Austrian born, there are 0 opportunities for him to run, no matter how many people support him).
28. If we know that the enemy is open to attack, but are unaware that our own men are not in a condition to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory.
If you know what you have to do to win, but do not have the resources or trust of your followers to do it, then you are again only half way to victory. (Real world example: The janitor at my school can't run for president because he most likely doesn't have the money, or the fan base, even if he is old enough and there is an election).
29. If we know that the enemy is open to attack, and also know that our men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the nature of the ground makes fighting impracticable, we have still gone only halfway towards victory.
If you have a way to achieve your goal, and the resources and fan base, but don't understand what you will have to sacrifice to achieve what you want, then you are again only half way to victory. (Real world example: Dwayne Johnson might consider running for president, he has the fan base, and the means, but is he willing to give up his career in acting to run for president?)
30. Hence the experienced soldier, once in motion, is never bewildered; once he has broken camp, he is never at loss.
Therefore he who knows what he is doing, is never surprised and never forgets his cause.
31. Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.
Therefore know your opponent as you know yourself, and know your obstacles, as you know the lengths you will go to achieve your goal.
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! It is coming out a little bit earlier than usual because I didn't have anything to do today, so I decided to write it earlier. As always, feedback is appreciated, and please remember to check back later!
Also remember to check for: My weekly 7 post, and My Art of War Review
When it come to historical war and wisdom no nation can compete with Asia
nice blog @cmp2020
Thanks! Yes many countries do base their strategies off of the strategies used by Asian empires thousands of years ago.