The Art of War by: Sun Tzu Review Part 6b: Weak Points and Strong

Hello everyone, this is a continuation of my Art of War review (The second part of part 6). Sorry I didn't post this yesterday, I was really busy, and the next time I think I'll have time to write this again is Friday. Sorry, this is a busy week for me. Anyway, here is Part 6b: Weak Points and Strong.  (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.)   

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Art of War original Text

cmp2020 commentary

Weak Points and Strong

18. Numerical weakness comes from having to prepare against possible attacks; numerical strengths, from compelling our adversary to make these preparations against us.

When you feel nervous and paranoid about what may or may not happen, you are weak. But, when you make your opponent feel paranoid, you have shown strength. (Real world example: Leading up to games, teams think about how they can win, not how they might lose).

19. Knowing the place and the time of the coming battle, we may concentrate from the greatest distances in order to fight.

When you have an educated prediction of what will happen, you have a longer period of time to prepare, and plan. (Real world example: Concerts are scheduled months before they actually occur, to give the performer time to prepare, but also incentive to perform).

20. But if neither time nor place be known, then the left wing will be impotent to succor the right, the right equally impotent to the left, the van unable to relieve the rear, or rear to support the van. How much more so if the furthest portions of the army are anything under a hundred li apart, and even the nearest are separated by several li!

You will have disadvantages that you need to make up for if you do not prepare. (Real world example: I'm writing this instead of working on the oral presentation I have tomorrow).

21. Though according to my estimate the soldiers of Yüeh exceed our own in number, that shall advantage them nothing in the matter of victory. I say then that victory can be achieved.

Even if your opponent has advantages, weigh your skills and abilities against their advantages, and see that you outweigh them. (Real world example: Whether or not to wrestle a match. You almost always do wrestle, because you almost always think you will win).

22. Though the enemy be stronger in numbers, we may prevent him from fighting. Scheme so as to discover his plans and the likelihood of their success.

You can overcome any disadvantage, if you prepare accordingly. (Real world example: A pitcher and catcher in a baseball game decide what pitch to throw based on the circumstances of a game, whether they are winning or losing, they always throw the pitch they think will put them on the path to success. Likewise, the batter and the runner use similar communications and deliberations).

23. Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.

Surprise your enemy, force him to give his plans away and trick him into messing up. (Real world example: That story from The Song of the South where brer rabbit tricks brer fox into throwing him into a briar patch).

24. Carefully compare the opposing army with your own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.

Similar to 21. Weigh your advantages and disadvantages verses your opponent's. See when to fight, and when not to. (Real world example: Whether or not to buy certain high risk, high reward stocks. Think, can I take the expense, and is the reward worth it?)

25. In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them; conceal your dispositions, and you will be safe from the prying of the subtlest spies, from the machinations of the wisest brains.

Surprise your opponent, keep them unaware of your plan, until you are ready to strike. No matter what or who, you will catch them off guard. (Real world example: The nuclear bomb in World War II. Not even the vice president knew about it until he became president. The US caught Japan off guard, and won the war).

26. How victory may be produced for them out of the enemy's own tactics-that is what the multitude cannot comprehend.

Most people cannot discover how to use their opponent's own plan against them. 

27. All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.

Anyone can see the actions that are taken, but to understand how the actions lead to victory is truly skilled. (Real world example: ).

28. Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.

Never use predictable actions, adjust them according to the strategy and the current situation. (Real world example: A company never releases a product more than once without added features).

29. Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards.

Tactics should emerge naturally after you have set the strategy in motion.

30. So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike what is weak.

Avoid your opponents advantages, and use your advantages to beat their disadvantages. (Real world example: In a race, if your opponent is fast, you pace yourself to outlast them, if they are slow, you run faster than them).

31. Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.

Every opponent is different, likewise so is the situation. (Real world example: Someone like the Yankees are skilled enough to beat the Phillies, but may have trouble beating the Cubs).

32. Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.

Therefore, change your plan based on your opponent and the situation. (Real world example: A pianist may spend more time practicing when he has an upcoming concert, than he would if he didn't).

33. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven-born captain.

Celebrate the leader who can develop the tactics that lead to success. (Real world example: Bill Gates used his wit, to outdo his competition. Because of this, he is widely respected).

34. The five elements are not always equally predominant; the four seasons make way for each other in turn. There are short days and long; the moon has its periods of waning and waxing.

Sometimes times life is tough, and others it is easy. These two coexist, to create success. (Real world example: Billy Joel slept on the floor of a laundry mat until he finally got a contract. But this contract was a scam, and he ended up changing his name and hiding out. 40 years later he is world renound with a net worth of 160 million dollars).

Thanks for reading this! This is a busy week for me, and this took a lot of energy. Please leave feedback, and checkback tomorrow. 

  Also remember to check for: My weekly 7 post, and my weekly piano performance of Christmas pieces.