The Art of War by: Sun Tzu Review Part 9b: The Army on the March
Hello everyone, this is a continuation of my Art of War review. There are only four parts left, and I am curious to see if the end of this series inspires some to write reviews on other philosophical works, or even their own interpretation of this book. It would be cool to know that I inspired other people. Anyway, the end is a lot of sweat away, so let's get crackin'.
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Art of War original text
cmp2020 commentary
The Army on the March
23. When there is dust rising in a high column, it is the sign of chariots advancing; when the dust is low, but spread over a wide area, it betokens the approach of infantry. When it branches out in different directions, it shows that parties have been sent to collect firewood. A few clouds of dust moving to and fro signify that the army is encamping.
View the circumstances of your surroundings to gather knowledge of your opponent's plan and situation. (Real world example: If the audience claps for a pianist, and boos for another. You can infer by the audience's reaction that the first pianist spent more time preparing for the performance than the other).
24. Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.
Take knowledge of your competitor's behavior and body language to predict what he is planning to do. (Real world example: If in dodgeball at sky zone, the kid with a strong arm on the other team points to you because the only people left are you and a bunch of little kids (and you have stood behind people the whole game to avoid fire), you can assume the next five seconds will be very painful).
25. When the light chariots come out first and take up a position on the wings, it is a sign that the enemy is forming for battle.
Take knowledge of the resources your opponent uses against you. If certain resources are used, it shows that your opponent possesses confidence in victory. (Real world example: If someone buys 10,000 dollars worth of steem, it shows they have confidence that they will profit from it).
26. Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.
Do not trust people who have no commitment to you. (Real world example: In dodgeball, if a kid on the other team softly lobs a ball to you on purpose that you may catch it, you can expect a ball in your gut (or below) within two seconds). (Sorry for all the dodgeball examples it's because I played a lot of it today. Everything I write actually happened to me)
27. When there is much running about and the soldiers fall into rank, it means that the critical moment has come.
If your opponent begins to prepare suddenly, you can expect their plan to unfold soon. (Real world example: If a corporate executive begins to buy more shares in their company, you can expect them to be releasing a new product soon).
28. When some are seen advancing and some retreating, it is a lure.
If the competition openly contradicts itself, they are trying to trick you into doing something. (Real world example: If a corporate executive gives an interview expressing their love for their new product, but begins to sell the shares of stock they have. You can assume the company is in trouble).
29. When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food.
30. If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.
31. If the enemy sees an advantage to be gained and makes no effort to secure it, the soldiers are exhausted.
If your competitor begins to show signs of weakness, it shows they are starting to suffer. (Real world example: In a football game, when passing plays are used you can assume the quarter back has a lot of yards to gain in a short amount of plays [or time]). (I still feel sick from that super bowl game where the sea-hawks passed at the one yard line):
32. If birds gather on any spot, it is unoccupied. Clamor by night betokens nervousness.
33. If there is disturbance in the camp, the general's authority is weak. If the banners and flags are shifted about, sedition is afoot. If the officers are angry, it means that the men are weary.
Take note of how people outside of your competition act to gain intelligence. (Real world example: If a company notices that a lot of stock investors in the other company begin to sell, they can buy it out).
34. When an army feeds its horses with grain and kills its cattle for food, and when the men do not hang their cooking-pots over the camp-fires, showing they will not return to their tents, you may know that they are determined to fight to the death.
If your competitor begins to lose organization, you can assume they are committed to risk everything to beat you. (Real world example: A company creating going out of business sales).
35. The sighs of men whispering together in small knots or speaking in subdued tones points to disaffection amongst the rank and file.
When employees are having conversations that they don't want the boss to hear, it indicates that they're dissatisfied.
36. Too frequent rewards signify that the enemy is at the end of his resources; too many punishments betray a condition of dire distress.
Giving too much praise shows that an organization depends too much on its members. Giving too many penalties shows that an organization has exhausted its capabilities. (Real world example: A company promoting common employees to high ranking positions for no reason, or a company not promoting someone who is qualified to perform a job above where they are).
37. To begin by bluster, but afterwards take fright at the enemy's numbers, shows a supreme lack of intelligence.
To commit to an idea, and back out because of your competitor's resources shows arrogance and foolishness. (Real world example: That Brazilian girl who challenged Ronda Rousey and spent like 3 months mocking her, then got absolutely creamed).
38. When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.
If your competitor shows signs of trying to gain your friendship, it means they are willing to work together. (Real world example: After a presidential, the losing candidate usually concedes and offers to help the incoming presidential elect and their administration).
39. If the enemy's troops march up angrily and remain facing ours for a long time without either joining battle or taking themselves off again, the situation is one that demands great vigilance and circumspection.
If the competitor gives no sign of executing their plan, be wary, anything can happen. (Real world example: A wrestler will wait until he sees an opening to take a shot, and wait out his opponent).
40. If our troops are no more in number than the enemy, that is amply sufficient; it only means that no direct attack can be made. What we can do is simply to concentrate all our available strength, keep a close watch on the enemy, and obtain reinforcements.
It is okay if you do not possess more assets than your competitor. Observe their actions, and attempt to gain more assets before executing your plan. (Real world example: The firemen do not go into a building on fire until they have enough men, and no it is safe to engage).
41. He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.
Those who are arrogant will lose no matter who they face. (Real world example: That time we played base ball in gym, and I tried to run all of the bases off of a bunt. [I made it half way to first]).
42. If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be useless.
If you punish your employees before they trust you, they will hate you rather than work efficiently. If you don't punish them once you have their trust, they won't work efficiently.
43. Therefore soldiers must be treated in the first instance with humanity, but kept under control by means of iron discipline. This is a certain road to victory.
Employees must be treated fairly, but punished when necessary.
44. If in training soldiers commands are habitually enforced, the army will be well-disciplined; if not, its discipline will be bad.
If an employee learns to respect their officer's orders, they will work as productively as possible. If they do not respect their commander's orders, they won't work hard enough to succeed.
45. If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.
A leader should be confident in his followers' abilities to work. But at the same time, expect his orders and judgements to be obeyed and respected. This will create a profitable relationship.
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! I enjoy this series, and feel that I have learned more writing about it than I did just reading it. As always, please leave feedback and check back tomorrow! (I hope to post Part 10: Terrain) See you later!
Also remember to check for: My weekly 7 post, and My Art of War Review
I've read i but you are making me go back , actually i listened to a audiobook on YT , maybe you can review Go Rin No Sho :) , best classics !
Thanks, I'm glad you're reading this again. It is good to read, it teaches strategy.
This is the first post of yours that I've come across, and I truly am a inspired by this idea! Thank you for providing this!
Thank you!! I am glad you enjoyed it and feel inspired.