| Sun Tzu said: |
Commentary |
|
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 halfway towards victory.
|
If you are ready for
attack and the enemy are likewise ready, you will still have a
difficult assault on your hands.
In business, this level of intelligence about what competitors
are doing can be very valuable. |
| 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.
|
Knowing the readiness
or otherwise of the enemy for battle is an important piece of
intelligence. If you do not know your own readiness, you will not
be able to take advantage of such an opportunity. In business as
in war, knowing when and how to act to greatest advantage is very
important. |
| 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.
|
A good situation is
to know that the enemy are unready and open whilst your own troops
are fit and ready to go. Yet if you do not know the
kinds of terrain you will face, then
you still have a dilemma. |
| 30. Hence the experienced soldier, once in motion, is never bewildered; once
he has broken camp, he is never at a loss. |
Experience counts for
a lot, although in war it can be hard to learn and possibly terminal
if you err too far. If you do not have experience, then innovation
can go a long way towards compensating for this limitation. |
| 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. |
Know your readiness,
the enemy's readiness and the terrain, and you will know much that
will determine victory and the tactics you should use. 'Heaven'
implies factors such as the weather and spirit. 'Earth' is the more
tangible terrain. Both and everything between should be considered. |
