The eighth chapter of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" is titled "The Nine Situations" (Responding to Changing Circumstances)

The eighth chapter of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" is titled "The Nine Situations" (Responding to Changing Circumstances). In this chapter, Sun Tzu explains how to adapt to nine different situations on the battlefield. He states that a general who understands the benefits of these nine situations is one who knows how to employ troops.

Sun Tzu proposes the following nine situations:
1. Dispersive ground(unfavorable terrain): Do not camp.
2. Facile ground(terrain that is advantageous to both enemy and ourselves): Establish alliances with other states.
3. Contentious ground(terrain that is advantageous to the first occupier): Pass through quickly without stopping.
4. Open ground(terrain that is equally accessible to both enemy and ourselves): Formulate strategies for retreat.
5. Ground of intersecting highways(terrain where four states meet): Fight desperately to escape.
6. There are roads which must not be followed.
7. There are armies which must not be attacked.
8. There are towns which must not be besieged.
9. There are grounds which must not be contested.
10. There are commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.

In addition, Sun Tzu points out that there are five dangers for a general. These are: recklessness, which leads to destruction; cowardice, which leads to capture; a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults; a delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame; and over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.

Sun Tzu's Art of War provides deep insights not only into strategy but also into leadership. These teachings are applicable to modern business and leadership situations, and their universality and usefulness are highly valued.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome to the world of Bonsai!

Image
Bonsai is an art form that encapsulates the beauty and harmony of nature within a small pot. It serves as a mirror reflecting the human heart, revealing an infinite world within. Bonsai reflects the emotions, thoughts, and values of its caretaker. It symbolizes the relationship between humans and nature, showing how we coexist with, respect, and celebrate the beauty of nature. Bonsai is also a living art that experiences growth and change over time, serving as a metaphor for life itself. Each Bonsai weaves its own story through its journey of growth. It symbolizes the fragility and persistence of life, change and constancy, and above all, the passage of time. Therefore, Bonsai is more than just a plant; it is a philosophical expression that bridges the inner world of humans and the outer world. It is a mirror showing how we understand ourselves and the world, and how we interact with them. It is a world in itself. Welcome to the world of Bonsai! https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=8
Read more

Let’s learn how to prune bonsai

Image
"Bonsai Pruning" is the process of trimming the tree to control its growth. It involves cutting off parts of the branches to adjust the growth and fruiting of the tree, and to shape it. Pruning is an important task for maintaining the health and beauty of garden trees and shrubs. The basic steps of pruning are as follows Determine the purpose of pruning: If it's a garden tree for viewing, you prune to maintain a beautiful tree shape. On the other hand, if the purpose is cultivation, you cut off extra branches to promote the growth of the trunk and branches you want to grow. Determine the timing of pruning: Generally, evergreen trees are pruned around June when the vigorous spring budding has settled down and around October when the growth of summer branches has stopped. Conifers are pruned in spring and around October, and deciduous trees are pruned from November to March during their dormant period when the leaves have fallen. Decide which branches to prune: In order to
Read more

In bonsai terminology, "Ushiroeda" or "back branch"

In bonsai terminology, "Ushiroeda" or "back branch" refers to the branches that extend to the back of the trunk. These branches play a role in expressing the depth of the entire tree. The back branches are usually placed slightly spread out to the side so that the foliage can be seen from the front. The back branches that come out diagonally are finished in such a way that they peek out from between the branches, considering that the branches further away actually look smaller than the branches in front. The back branches play an important role in taking the balance of the entire tree and are arranged back and forth to bring out the three-dimensionality of the tree.
Read more