5. Energy
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Hiding order beneath the cloak of disorder is simply a question of subdivision; #
See supra, ss. 1.
concealing courage under a show of timidity presupposes a fund of latent energy; #
The commentators strongly understand a certain Chinese word here differently than anywhere else in this chapter. Thus Tu Mu says: "seeing that we are favorably circumstanced and yet make no move, the enemy will believe that we are really afraid."
masking strength with weakness is to be effected by tactical dispositions. #
Chang Yu relates the following anecdote of Kao Tsu, the first Han Emperor: "Wishing to crush the Hsiung-nu, he sent out spies to report on their condition. But the Hsiung-nu, forewarned, carefully concealed all their able-bodied men and well-fed horses, and only allowed infirm soldiers and emaciated cattle to be seen. The result was that spies one and all recommended the Emperor to deliver his attack. Lou Ching alone opposed them, saying: "When two countries go to war, they are naturally inclined to make an ostentatious display of their strength. Yet our spies have seen nothing but old age and infirmity. This is surely some ruse on the part of the enemy, and it would be unwise for us to attack." The Emperor, however, disregarding this advice, fell into the trap and found himself surrounded at Po-teng."
Comments (Leave a comment)
Jorgen Fors said:
Applying this passage to the general thinking used when planning e.g. a project makes sence: First you survey and measure "the ground" i.e the context of the project. Then you estimate, that is take educated guesses based on your surveys, to find out the numbers needed to do actual calculations. Then you calculate, based on your guesses. So, the first two terms would relate to evaluating the enemy, solely, while the third one deal with assessing what you've found in relation to your own army (or in the case of project management, your own assignment). #
Dec 19, 2007