[User] To cut and to slash are two different things. Cutting, whatever form of cutting it is, is decisive, with a resolute spirit. Slashing is nothing more than touching the enemy. Even if you slash strongly, and even if the enemy dies instantly, it is slashing. When you cut, your spirit is resolved. You must appreciate this. If you first slash the enemy's hands or legs, you must then cut strongly. Slashing is in spirit the same as touching. When you realise this, they become indistinguish able. Learn this well.


[User] Red Leaves Cut: Presumably Musashi is alluding here to falling, dying leaves.


[User] Chinese Monkey's Body


[User] The Chinese Monkey's Body40 is the spirit of not stretching out your arms. The spirit is to get in quickly, without in the least extending your arms, before the enemy cuts. If you are intent upon not stretching out your arms you are effectively far away, the spirit is to go in with your whole body. When you come to within arm's reach it becomes easy to move your body in. You must research this well.


[User] Glue and Lacquer Emulsion Body


[User] The spirit of "Glue and Lacquer Emulsion Body"41 is to stick to the enemy and not separate from him. When you approach the enemy, stick firmly with your head, body and legs. People tend to advance their head and legs quickly, but their,body lags behind. You should stick firmly so that there is not the slightest gap between the enemy's body and your body. You must consider this carefully.


[User] To Strive for Height


[User] By "to strive for height" is meant, when you close with the enemy, to strive with him for superior height without cringing. Stretch your legs, stretch your hips, and stretch your neck face to face with him. When you think you have won, and you are the higher, thrust in strongly. You must learn this.


[User] To Apply Stickiness


[User] When the enemy attacks and you also attack with the long sword, you should go in with a sticky feeling and fix your long sword against the enemy's as you receive his cut. The spirit of stickiness is not hitting very strongly, but hitting so


[User] Cbi11eseM011key's Body, A Chinese monkey here means a short-armed monkey.


[User] Glue and lacquer emulsion: The lacquer work which takes its name from Japan, used to coat furniture and home utensils, architecture, weapons and armour.


[User] that the long swords do not separate easily. It is best to approach as calmly as possible when hitting the enemy's long sword with stickiness. The difference between "Stickiness" and "Entanglement" is that stickiness is firm and en tanglement is weak. You must appreciate this.


[User] The Rody Strike


[User] The Body Strike means to approach the enemy through a gap in his guard. The spirit is to strike him with your body. Turn your face a little aside and strike the enemy's breast with your left shoulder thrust out. Approach with the spirit of bouncing the enemy away, striking as strongly as possible in time with your breathing. If you achieve this method of closing with the enemy, you will be able to knock him ten or twenty feet away. It is possible to strike the enemy until he is dead. Train well.


[User] Three Ways to Parry llis Attack


[User] There are three methods to parry a cut:


[User] First, by dashing the enemy's long sword to your right, as if thrusting at his eyes, when he makes an attack.


[User] Or, to parry by thrusting the enemy's long sword towards his right eye with


[User] the feeling of snipping his neck.


[User] Or, when you have a short "long sword", without worrying about parrying the enemy's long sword, to close with him quickly, thrusting at his face with your left hand.


[User] These are the three methods of parrying. You must bear in mind that you


[User] can always clench your left hand and thrust at the enemy's face with your fist. For this it is necessary to train well.


[User] To Stab at the Face


[User] To stab at the face means, when you are in confrontation with the enemy, that your spirit is intent on stabbing at his face, following the line of the blades with the point of your long sword. If you are intent on stabbing at his face, his face


[User] and body will become rideable. When the enemy becomes as ifrideable, there are various opportunities for winning. You must concentrate on this. When fighting and the enemy's body becomes as if rideable, you can win quickly, so you ought not to forget to stab at the face. You must pursue the value of this technique through training.


[User] To Stab at the Heart


[User] To stab at the heart means, when fighting and there are obstructions above or to the sides, and whenever it is difficult to cut, to thrust at the enemy. You must stab the enemy's breast without letting the point of your long sword waver, showing the enemy the ridge of the blade square-on, and with the spirit of deflecting his long sword. The spirit of this principle is often useful when we become tired or for some reason our long sword will not cut. You must understand the application of this method.


[User] To Scold "Tut-TUT!"


[User] "Scold" means that, when the enemy tries to counter-cut as you attack, you counter-cut again from below as if thrusting at him, trying to hold him down. With very quick timing you cut, scolding the enemy. Thrust up, "Tut!", and cut "TUT!" This timing is encountered time and time again in exchanges of blows. The way to scold Tut-TUT is to time the cut simultaneously with raising your long sword as if to thrust the enemy. You must learn this through repetitive practice.


[User] The Smacking Parry


[User] By "smacking parry" is meant that when you clash swords with the enemy, you meet his attacking cut on your long sword with a tee-dum, tee-dum rhythm, smacking his sword and cutting him. The spirit of the smacking parry is not parrying, or smacking strongly, but smacking the enemy's long sword in accordance with his attacking cut, primarily intent on quickly cutting him. If you understand the timing of smacking, however hard your long swords clash


[User] together, your swordpoint will not be knocked back even a little. You must research sufficiently to realise this.


[User] There arc Many Enemies


[User] "There arc many enemies"42 applies when you are fighting one against many. Draw both sword and companion sword and assume a wide-stretched left and right anitude. The spirit is to chase the enemies around from side to side, even though they come from all four directions. Observe their attacking order, and go to meet first those who attack first. Sweep your eyes around broadly, carefully examining the attacking order, and cut left and right alternately with your swords. Waiting is bad. Always quickly re-assume your attitudes to both sides, cut the enemies down as they advance, crushing them in the direction from ll'hich they attack. Whatever you do, you must drive the enemy together, as if tying a line of fishes, and when they are seen to be piled up, cut them down


[User] strongly without giving them room to move.


[User] The Advantage when coming to Blows


[User] You can know how to win through strategy with the long sword, but it cannot be clearly explained in \Hiting. You must practise diligently in order to understand how to win.


[User] Oral tradition:43 "The true \Vay of strategy is revealed in the long sword."


[User] Tbere are nhrn)' enemies.- ,'\1usashi is held to he the inventor of the Two Sword style. llis school is sometimes called " ito Ryu" (two sword school) and sometimes "Niten Ryu" (n1..•o heavens school}. I le \1,:rites that the use of two swords is for when there arc many enemies, but people practise a style of fencing with a sword in each hand to give practical advantage in fencing. Musashi used the words "two swords'' when meaning to use all one's resources in comhat. He never used two swords \\.·hen up against a skilled swords


[User] man.


[User] Oral tradition, Other Kenda schools also have oral traditions as opposed to teachings


[User] passed on in formal techni4ue.


[User] One Cut


[User] You can win with certainty with the spirit of "one cut".44 It is difficult to attain this if you do not learn strategy well. If you train well in this Way, strategy will come from your heart and you will be able to win at will. You must train diligently.


[User] Direct Communication


[User] The spirit of "Direct Communication" is how the true Way of the NiTo lchi school is received and handed down.


[User] Oral tradition: "Teach your body strategy."


[User] Recorded in the above book is an outline of !chi school sword-fighting.


[User] To learn how to win with the long sword in strategy, first learn the five approaches and the five attitudes, and absorb the Way of the long sword naturally in your body. You must understand spirit and timing, handle the long sword naturally, and move body and legs in harmony with your spirit. Whether beating one man or two, you will then know values in strategy.


[User] Study the contents of this book, taking one item at a time, and through fighting with enemies you will gradually come to know the principle of the Way.


[User] Deliberately, with a patient spirit, absorb the virtue of all this, from time to time raising your hand in combat. Maintain this spirit whenever you cross swords with an enemy.


[User] Step by step walk the thousand-mile road.


[User] Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior. Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men. Next, in order to beat more skilful men, train according to this book, not allowing your heart to he swayed along a side-track. Even if you kill an enemy,


[User] One cut: Whatever this means, it is worthwhile to note the "Hitotsu Gachi" (One Victory), the Kiri Otoshi technique of the ltto Ryuschool, where one cut provides attack and defence. cutting down the enemy's sword and spirit, and the related "ltchi no Tachi" ( Long Sword of One) of the Shinto style.


[User] 11It i\ not based or what you have learned it isnot the trueWay.


[User] If you attain this Way of victory, then you will be able to beat several tens of men. What remains i sword-fightingability, which you can attain in battlesand duels.


[User] The Second Yearof Shoho, the twelfth day of the fifth month ( 16-45)


[User] Teruo.'vlagonojo	Sl-llNMENMUSASHl


[User] THE FIRE BOOK


[User] In rhis rhe Fire Book of rhe NiTo Ichi school of srrategy I describe fighting as fire.


[User] In the first place, people think narrowly about the benefit of strategy. l.\y using only their fingertips, they only know the benefit of three of the five inches of the wrist. They let a contest be decided, as with the folding fJn, merely by the span of their forearms. They specialise in the small matter of dexterity, learning such trifles as hand and leg movements with the bamboo practice sword.45


[User] In my strategy, the training for killing enemies is by way of many contests, fighting for survival, discovering the meaning of life and death, learning the Way of the sword, judging the strength of attacks and understanding the Way of the "e<lge anti ridge" uf the sword.


[User] You cannot profit from small techniques particularly when full armour is


[User] worn.46 My Way of strategy is the sure method to win when fighting for )'OUT life one man against five or ten. There is nothing wrong with the principle "one man can beat ten, so a thousand men can beat ten thousand". You must


[User] T!IE FIRE BOOK


[User] B.unboo practice sword. There have been practice swords of various kinds throughout


[User] the history of Kendo, some arc made of spliced bamboo covered with cloth or hide.


[User] Pull armour: The \-\'ords "Roku Gu" (six pieces) are used. This is a set of armour consisting of C.uiras, gauntlets, sleeves, apron and thigh pieces, or, according tu another convention, body armour, hdmct, mask, thigh pieces, gauntlets and leg pieces.


[User] research this. Of course you cannot assemble a thousand or ten thousand men for everyday training. But you can become a master of strategy by training alone with a sword, so that you can understand the enemy's stratagems, his strength and resources, and come to appreciate how to apply strategy to beat ten thousand enemies.


[User] Any man who wants to master the essence of my strategy must research diligently, training morning and evening. Thus can he polish his skill, become free from self, and realise extraordinary ability. He will come to possess miraculous power.


[User] Th is is the practical result of strategy.


[User] Depending on the Place Examine your environment.


[User] Stand in the sun; that is, take up an attitude with the sun behind you. If the situation does not allow this, you must try to keep the sun on your right side. In buildings, you must stand with the entrance behind you or to your right. Make sure that your rear is unobstructed, and that there is free space on your left, your right side being occupied with your sword attitude. At night, if the enemy can be seen, keep the fire behind you and the entrance to your right, and otherwise take up your attitude as above. You must look down on the enemy, and take up your attitude on slightly higher places. For example, the Kamiza47 in a house is thought of as a high place.


[User] When the fight comes, always endeavour to chase the enemy around to your left side. Chase him towards awkward places, and try to keep him with his back to awkward places. When the enemy gets into an inconvenient position, do not let him look around, but conscientiously chase him around and pin him down. In houses, chase the enemy into the thresholds, lintels, doors, verandas, pillars, and so on, again not letting him see his situation.


[User] Always chase the enemy into bad footholds, obstacles at the side, and so on, using the virtues of the place to establish predominant positions from which to fight. You must research and train diligently in this.


[User] Kamiza: This is the residence of the ancestral spirit of a house; the head of the house sits nearest this place. It is often a slightly raised recess in a wall, sometimes containing a hanging scroll, armour, or other religious property.


[User] The Three Methods to Forestall the Encmy48


[User] The first is to forestall him by attacking. This is called Ken No Sen ( to set him up).


[User] Another method is to forestall him as he attacks. This is called Tai No Sen (to wait for the initiative).


[User] The other method is when you and the enemy attack together. This is called


[User] Tai Tai No Sen (to accompany him and forestall him).


[User] There are no methods of taking the lead other than these three. Because you can win quickly by taking the lead, it is one of the most important things in strategy. There are several things involved in taking the lead. You must make the best of the situation, see through the enemy's spirit so that you grasp his strategy and defeat him. It is impossible to write about this in detail.


[User] The First-Ken No Sen


[User] When you decide to attack, keep calm and dash in quickly, forestalling the enemy. Or you can advance seemingly strongly but with a reserved spirit, forestalling him with the reserve.


[User] Alternatively, advance with as strong a spirit as possible, and when you reach the enemy move with your feet a little quicker than normal, unsettling him and overwhelming him sharply.


[User] Or, with your spirit calm, attack with a feeling of constantly crushing the


[User] enemy, from first to last. The spirit is to win in the depths of the enemy. These are all Ken No Sen.


[User] Tbe tbree metbods to forestall an enemy: A great swordsman or other artist will have mastered the ability to forestall the enemy. The great swordsman is always ubefore" his environment. This does not mean speed. You cannot beat a good swordsman, because he suhconsciously sees the origin of every real action. One can still see in Kenda practice wonderful old gentlemen slowly hitting young champ10ns on the head almost casually. It is the practiced ability to sum up a changing situation instantly.


[User] The Second-Tai No Sen


[User] When the enemy attacks, remain undisturbed but feign weakness. As the enemy reaches you, suddenly move away indicating that you intend to jump aside, then dash in attacking strongly as soon as you see the enemy relax. This is one way.


[User] Or, as the enemy attacks, attack still more strongly, taking advantage of the resulting disorder in his timing to win.


[User] This is the Tai No Sen principle.


[User] The Third-Tai Tai No Sen


[User] When the enemy makes a quick attack, you must attack strongly and calmly, aim for his weak point as he draw:; near, and strongly defeat him.


[User] Or, if the enemy attacks calmly, you must observe his movement and, with your body rather floating, join in with his movement as he draws near. Move quickly and cut him strongly.


[User] This is T.:ii Tai No Sen.


[User] These things cannot be clearly explained in words. You must research what is written here. In these three ways of forestalling, you must judge the situation. This does not mean that you always attack first; but if the enemy attacks first you can lead him around. In strategy, you have effectively won when you forestall the enemy, so you must train well to attain this.


[User] To Hold Down a Pillow


[User] ...Io Hold Down a Pillow"49 means not allowing the enemy's head to rise.


[User] In conrcsts of strategy it is bad to be led about by the enemy. You must always be able to lead the enemy about. Obviously the enemy will also be thinking of doing this, but he cannot forestall you if you do not allow him to come out. In strategy, you must stop the enemy as he attempts to cut; you


[User] Tu bold dow11a pi/low, Note that samurai and Japanese ladies slept with their heads on a small wooden pillow shaped to accomodatc their hairstyle.


[User] must push down his thrust, and throw off his hold when he tries to grapple. This is the meaning of "to hold down a pillow". When you have grasped this principle, whatever the enemy tries to bring about in the fight you will see in advance and suppress it. The spirit is to check his attack at the syllable "at ... ",


[User] when he jumps check his jump at the syllable "ju ... ", and check his cm at ''cu .. _,,_


[User] The important thing in strategy is to suppress the enemy's useful actions but allow his useless actions. However, doing this alone is defensive. First, you must act according to the \Vay, suppress the enemy's techniques, foiling his plans, and thence command him directly. When you can do this you will be a master of strategy. You must train well and research "holding down a pillow".


[User] Crossing at a Ford


[User] "Crossing at a ford" means, for example, crossing the sea at a strait, or crossing over a hundred miles of broad sea at a crossing place. I believe this "crossing at a ford" occurs often in a man's lifetime. It means setting sail even though your friends stay in harbour, knowing the route, knowing the soundness of your ship and the favourof the day. When all the conditions are meet, and there is perhaps a favourable wind, or a tailwind, then set sail. If the wind changes within a few miles of your destination, you must row across the remaining distance without sail.


[User] If you attain this spirit, it applies to everyday life. You must always think of crossing at a ford.


[User] In strategy also it is important to "cross at a ford". Discern the enemy's


[User] capability and, knowing your own strong points, "cross the ford" at the advantageous place, as a good captain crosses a sea route. If you succeed in crossing at the best place, you may take your ease. To cross at a ford means to attack the enemy's weak point, and to put yourself in an advantageous position. This is how to win in large-scale strategy. The spirit of crossing at a ford is necessary in both large- and small-scale strategy.


[User] You must research this well.


[User] To Know the Times


[User] "To know the times" means to know the enemy's disposition in battle. ls it flourishing or waning? By observing the spirit of the enemy's men and getting the best position, you can work out the enemy's disposition and move your men accordingly. You can win through this principle of strategy, fighting from a position of advantage.


[User] When in a duel, you must forestall the enemy and attack when you have first recognised his school of strategy, perceived his quality and his strong and weak points. Attack in an unsuspected manner, knowing his metre and modulation and the appropriate timing.


[User] Knowing the times means, if your ability is high, seeing right into things. If you are thoroughly conversant with strategy, you will recognise the enemy's intentions and thus have many opportunities to win. You must sufficiently study this.


[User] To Tread Down the Sword


[User] "To tread down the sword" is a principle often used in strategy. First, in large scale strategy, when the enemy first discharges bows and guns and then attacks, it is difficult for us to attack if we are busy loading powder into our guns or notching our arrows. The spirit is to attack quickly while the enemy is still shooting with bows or guns. The spirit is to win by "treading down" as we receive the enemy's attack.


[User] [n single combat, we cannot get a decisive victory by cutting, with a "tee-dum tee-dum" feeling, in the wake of the enemy's attacking long sword. We must defeat him at the start of his attack, in the spirit of treading him down with the feet, so that he cannot rise again to the attack.


[User] "Treading" does not simply mean treading with the feet. Tread with the body, tread with the spirit, and, of course, tread and cut with the long sword. You must achieve the spirit of not allowing the enemy to attack a second time. This is tbe spirit of forestalling in every sense. Once at the enemy, you should not aspire just to strike him, but to cling after the attack. You must study this deeply.


[User] To Know "Collapse"


[User] Everything can collapse. Houses, bodies, and enemies collapse when their rhythm becomes deranged.


[User] In large-scale strategy, when the enemy starts to collapse you must pursue him without letting the chance go. If you fail to take advantage of your enemies' collapse, they may recover.


[User] In single combat, the enemy sometimes loses timing and collapses. If you let this opportunity pass, he may recover and not be so negligent thereafter. Fix your eye on the enemy's collapse, and chase him, attacking so that you do not let him recover. You must do this. The chasing attack is with a strong spirit. You must utterly cut the enemy down so that he does not recover his position. You must understand how to utterly cut down the enemy.


[User] To Become the Enemy


[User] "To become the enemy" means to think yourself into the enemy's position. In the world people tend to think of a robber trapped in a house as a fortified enemy. However, if we think of "becoming the enemy", we feel that the whole world is against us and that there is no escape. He who is shut inside is a pheasant. He who enters to arrest is a hawk. You must appreciate this.


[User] In large-scale strategy, people are always under the impression that the enemy is strong, and so tend to become cautious. But if you have good soldiers, and if you understand the principles of strategy, and if you know how to beat the enemy, there is nothing to worry about.


[User] In single combat also you must put yourself in the enemy's position. If you think, "Here is a master of the Way, who knows the principles of strategy", then you will surely lose. You must consider this deeply.


[User] To Release Four Hands


[User] "To release four hands"50 is used when you and the enemy are contending with the same spirit, and the issue cannot be decided. Abandon this spirit and win through an alternative resource.


[User] In large-scale strategy, when there is a "four hands" spirit, do not give up-it is man's existence. Immediately throw away this spirit and win with a technique the enemy does not expect.


[User] In single combat also, when we think we have fallen into the "four hands" situation, we must defeat the enemy by changing our mind and applying a suitable technique according to his condition. You must be able to judge this.


[User] To Move the Shade


[User] "To move the shade" is used when you cannot see the enemy's spirit.


[User] In large-scale strategy, when you cannot see the enemy's ?Osition, indicate that you are about to attack strongly, to discover his resources. It is easy then to defeat him with a different method once you see his resources.


[User] In single combat, if the enemy takes up a rear or side attitude of the long sword so that you cannot see his intention, make a feint attack, and the enemy will show his long sword, thinking he sees your spirit. Benefiting from what you are shown, you can win with certainty. If you are negligent you will miss the timing. Research this well.


[User] To Hold Dm\11 a Shadow


[User] "Holding down a shadow" is used when you can see the enemy's attacking spirit.


[User] To re/P11se four hands· "Yorsu te o hanasu" the expression "Yotsu te" means the condition of grappling with both arms engaged with the opponent's arms, or "deadlock" It is also the name used to describe various articles with four corners joined, such as a fishing net, and was given to an article of ladies' clothing which consisted of a square of cloth tied from the back over each shoulder and under each arm, with a knot on the breast.


[User] In large-scale strategy, when the enemy embarks on an attack, if you m,kc J show of strongly suppressing his technique, he will change his mind. Then, altering your spirit, defeat him by forestalling him with a Void spirit.


[User] Or, in single combat, hold down the enemy's strong intention with a suitable timing, and defeat him by forestalling him with this timing. You must study this well.


[User] To Pass On


[User] Many things are said to be passed on. Sleepiness can be passed on, and yawning can be passed on. Time can be passed on also.


[User] In large-scale strategy, when the enemy is agitated and shows an inclination to rush, do not mind in the least. Make a show of complete calmness, and the enemy will be taken by this and will become relaxed. When you see that this spirit has been passed on, you can bring about the enemy's defeat by attacking strongly with a Void spirit.


[User] In single combat, you can win by relaxing your body and spirit and then, catching on to the moment the enemy relaxes, attack strongly and quickly, forestalling him.


[User] What is known as "getting someone drunk" is similar to this. You can also infect the enemy with a bored, careless, or weak spirit. You must study this well.


[User] To Cause Loss of Balance


[User] Many things can cause a loss of balance. One cause is danger, another is hardship, and another is surprise. You must research this.


[User] In large-scale strategy it is important to cause loss of balance. Attack without warning where the enemy is not expecting it, and while his spirit 1s undecided follow up your advantage and, having the lead, defeat him.


[User] Or, in single combat, start by making a show of being slow, then suddenly attack strongly. Without allowing him space for breath to recover from the fluctuation of spirit, you must grasp the opportunity to win. Get the feel of this.


[User] To Frighten


[User] Fright often occurs, caused hy the unexpected.


[User] In large-scale strategy you can frighten the enemy not just by what you present to their eyes, hut hy shouting, making a small force seem large, or by threatening them from the flank without warning. These things all frighten. You can win hy making hest use of the enemy's frightened rhythm.


[User] In single combat, also, you must use the advantage of taking the enemy unawares by frightening him with your body, long sword, or voice, to defeat him. You should research this well.


[User] To Soak In


[User] When you have come to grips and are striving together with the enemy, and you realise that you cannot advance, you "soak in" and become one with the enemy. You can win by applying a suitable technique while you arc mutually entangled.


[User] In battles involving large numbers as well as in fights with srnall numbers, you can often win decisively with the advantage of knowing how to "soak" into the enemy, whereas, were you to draw apart, you would lose the chance to win. Research this well.


[User] To Injure the Corners


[User] It is difficult to move strong things by pushing directly, so you should "injure the corners".


[User] In large-scale strategy, it is beneficial to strike at the corners of the enemy's force. If the corners are overthrown, the spirit of the whole body will be overthrown. To defeat the enemy you must follow up the attack when the corners have fallen.


[User] In single combat, it is easy to win once the enemy collapses. This happens


[User] when you injure the "corners" of his body, and thus weaken him. It is important to know how to do this, so you must research deeply.


[User] To Throw into Confusion


[User] This means making the enemy lose resolve.


[User] In large-scale strategy we can use our troops to confuse the enemy on the field. Observing the enemy's spirit, we can make him think, "Here' There? Like that? Like this? Slow? Fast?" Victory is certain when the enemy is caught up in a rhythm which confuses his spirit.


[User] In single combat, we can confuse the enemy by attacking with varied techniques when the chance arises. Feint a thrust or cut, or make the enemy th_ink you are going to close with him, and when he is confused you can easily wm.


[User] This is the essence of fighting, and you must research it deeply.


[User] The Three Shouts


[User] The three shouts are divided thus: before, during, and after. Shout according to the situation. The voice is a thing of life. We shout against fires and so on, against the wind and the waves. The voice shows energy.


[User] In large-scale strategy, at the start of battle we shout as loudly as possible. During the fight, the voice is low-pitched, shouting out aswe attack. After the contest, we shout in the wake of our victory. These are the three shouts.


[User] In single combat, we make as ifto cut and shout "Ei!" at the same time to disturb the enemy, then in the wake of our shout we cut with the long word. We shout after we have cut down the enemy-this is to announce victory. This is called "sen go no koe" (before and after voice). We do not shout simultane ously with flourishing the long sword. We shout during the fight to get into rhythm. Kesearch this deeply.


[User] To Mingle


[User] In battles, when the armies are in confrontation, attack the enemy's strong points and, when you sec that they are beaten back, quickly separate and attack yet another strong point on the periphery of his force. The spirit of this is like a winding mountain path.


[User] This is an important fighting method for one man against many. Strike down


[User] the enemies in one quarter, or drive them back, then grasp the timing and attack further strong points to right and left, as if on a ,vinding mountain path, weighing up the enemies' disposition. When you know the enemies' level, attack strongly ,vith no trace of retreating spirit.


[User] In single combat, too, use this spirit to deal with the enemy's strong points. What is meant by "mingling" is the spirit of advancing and becoming engaged with the enemy, and not withdrawing even one step. You must


[User] understand this.


[User] To Crush


[User] This means to crush the enemy regarding him as being weak.


[User] In large-scale strategy, when we see that the enemy has few men, or if he has many men but his spirit is weak and disordered, we knock the hat over his eyes, crushing him utterly. lfwe crush lightly, he may recover. You must learn the spirit of crushing as if with a hand-grip.


[User] In single combat, if the enemy is less skilful than ourself, if his rhythm is disorganised, or if he has fallen into evasive or retreating attitudes, we must crush him straightaway, with no concern for his presence and with out allowing him space for breath. It is essential to crush him all at once. The primary thing is not to let him recover his position even a little. You must research this deeply.


[User] The Mountain-Sea Change


[User] The "mountain-sea" spirit means that it is bad to repeat the same thing several times when fighting the enemy. There may be no help but to do something twice, but do not try it a third time. If you once make an attack and fail, there is little chance of success if you use the same approach again. If you attempt a technique which you have previously tried unsuccessfully and fail yet again, then you must change your attacking method.


[User] If the enemy thinks of the mountains, attack like the sea; and if he thinks of the sea, attack like the mountains. You must research this deeply.


[User] Tu Penetrate the Depths


[User] When we are fighting with the enemy, even when it can be seen that we can win on the surface with the benefit of the Way, if his spirit is not extinguished, he may be beaten superficially yet undefeated in spirit deep inside. With this principle of "penetrating the depths" we can destroy the enemy's spirit in its depths, demoralising him by quickly changing our spirit. This often occurs.


[User] Penetrating the depths means penetrating with the long sword, penetrating with the body, and penetrating with the spirit. This cannot be understood in a generalisation.


[User] Once we have crushed the enemy in the depths, there is no need to remain spirited. But otherwise we must remain spirited. If the enemy remains spirited it is difficult to crush him. You must train in penetrating the depths for large-scale strategy and also single combat.


[User] To Renew


[User] "To renew" applies when we are fighting with the enemy, and an entangled spirit arises where there is no possible resolution. We must abandon our efforts, think of the situation in a fresh spirit then win in the new rhythm. To renew, when we are deadlocked with the enemy, means that without changing our circumstance we change our spirit and win through a different technique.


[User] Ir is necessary to consider how "to renew" also applies in large-scale strategy. Research this diligently.


[User] Rat's Head, Ox's Neck


[User] "Rat's head and ox's neck" means that, when we are fighting with the enemy and both he and we have become occupied with small points in an entangled spirit, we must always think of the \Vay of strategy as being both a rat's head and an ox's neck. Whenever we have become preoccupied with small derails, we must suddenly change into a large spirit, interchanging large with small.


[User] This is one of the essences of strategy. It is necessary that the warrior think in this spirit in ewryday life. You must not depart from this spirit in large-scale strategy nor in single combat.


[User] The Commander Knows the Troops


[User] "The commander knows the troops" applies everywhere in fights in my Way of strategy.


[User] Using the wisdom of strategy, think of the enemy as your own troops. When you think in this way you can move him at will and be able to chase him around. You become the general and the enemy becomes your troops. You mu st master this.


[User] To Let Go the Hilt


[User] There arc various kinds of spirit involved in letting go the hilt.


[User] There is the spirit of winning without a sword. There is also the spirit of holding the long sword but not winning. Tbc various methods cannot be expressed in writing. You must train well.


[User] The Body of a Rock51


[User] When you have mastered tbe \Vay of strategy you can suddenly make your body like a rock, and ten thousand things cannot touch you. This is the body of a rock.


[User] You will not be moved. Oral tradition.


[User] What is recorded above is what has been constantly on my mind about !chi school sword fencing, written clown as it came to me. This is the first time I have written about my technique, and the order of things is a bit confused. It is difficult to express it dearly.


[User] This book is a spiritual guide for the man who wishes to learn the \Vay.


[User] My heart has been inclined to the Way of strategy from my youth onwards.


[User] Tbe b1Jdy 1Jf a rock, This is recorded in the Terao /{a l{i, the chronicle of the house of Terao. Once, a lord asked Musashi "What is this 'Budy of a rock'?" Musashi replied, nPlcaS<.·summon my pupil Terao Ryuma Suke". When Terao appeared, Musashi ordered him to kill himself by cutting his abdomen. Just as Terao was about lO make the cut, Musashi restrained him and said to the lord, "This is the 'Body of a Rock'".


[User] have devoted myself ro training my hand, tempering my body, and attaining the many spiritual attitudes of sword fencing. If we watch men of other schools discussing theory, and concentrating on techniques with the hands, even though they seem skilful to watch, they have not the slightest true spirit.


[User] Of course, men who study in this way think they are training the body an<l spirit, but it is an obstacle to the true \Vay, and its bad influence remains for ever. Thus the true Way of strategy is becoming decadent and dying out.


[User] The true \Vay of sword fencing is the craft of defeating the enemy in a fight, and nothing other than this. If you attain and adhere to the wisdom of my strategy, you need never doubt that you will win.


[User] The second year of Shoho, the fifth month, the nvelfth day ( 1645)


[User] Teruo Magonojo	SHINMEN MUSASHI


[User] THE  WIND  BOOK


[User] In strategy you must know the Ways of other schools, so I have written about


[User] \'arious other traditions of strategy in this the Wind Book.


[User] Without knowledge of the Ways of other schools, it is difficult to understand the essence of my lchi school. Looking at other schools we find some that specialise in techniques of strength using extra-long swords. Some schools study the Way of the short sword, known as kodacbi. Some schools teach dexterity in large numbers of sword techniques, teaching attitudes of the sword as rhe "surface" and the Way as the "interior".


[User] That none of these are the true Way I show clearly in the imerior of this book-all the vices and virtues and rights and wrongs. My lchi school is different. Other schools make accomplishments their means of livelihood, growing flowers and decorati\·ely colouring articles in order to sell them. This is definitely not the Way of strategy.


[User] Some of the world's strategists are concerned only with sword-fencing, and limit their training to flourishing the long sword and carriage of the body. But is dexterity alone sufficient to win) This is not the essence of the Way.


[User] I have recorded the unsatisfactory points of other schools one by one in this book. You must study these matters deeply to appreciate the benefit of my Ni To !chi school.


[User] Other Schools Using Extra-Long Swords


[User] Some other schools have a liking for extra-long swords. From the point of view of mv strategy these must be seen as weak schools. This is because they do not ppreciate the principle of cutting the enemy by any means. Their preference is for the extra-lon6 sword and. relying on the virtue of its length. they think to


[User] defeat the enemy from a distance.


[User] In this world it is said, "One inch gives the hand advantage", but these are the idle words of one who does not know strategy. It shows the inferior strategy of a weak spirit that men should be dependent on the length of their sword, fighting from a distance without the benefit of strategy.


[User] I expect there is a case for the school in question liking extra-long swords as part of its doctrine, but if we compare this with real life it is unreasonable. Surely we need not necessarily be defeated if we are using a short sword, and have no long sword?


[User] It is difficult for these people to cut the enemy when at close quarters because of the length of the long sword. The blade path is large so the long sword is an encumbrance, and they are at a disadvantage compared to the man armed with a short companion sword.


[User] From olden times it has been said: "Great and small go together." So do not unconditionally dislike extra-long swords. What I dislike is the inclination towards the long sword. If we consider large-scale strategy, we can think of large forces in terms of long swords, and small forces as short swords. Cannot few men give battle against many) There are many instances of few men overcoming many.


[User] Your strategy is of no account if when called on to fight in a confined space your heart is inclined to the long sword, or if you are in a house armed only with your companion sword. Besides, some men have not the strength of others.


[User] In my doctrine, I dislike preconceived, narrow spirit. You must study this well.


[User] The Strong Long Sword Spirit in Other Schools


[User] You should not speak of strong and weak long swords. If you just wield the long sword in a strong spirit your cutting will be coarse, and if you use the sword coarsely you will have difficulty in winning.


[User] If you are concerned with the strength of your sword, you will try to cut unreasonablv strongly, and will not be able to cut at all. It is also bad to try to cut strongly when testing the sword. Whenever you cross swords with an enemy you must not think of cutting him either strongly or weakly; just think of


[User] cutting and killing him. Be intent solely upon killing the enemy. Do not try to cut strongly and, of course, do nor think of cutting weakly. You should only be concerned with killing the enemy .


[User] .  If )'OU rely on strength, when you hit the enemy's sword you will inevitably hn too hard. If you do this, your own sword will be carried along as a result. Thus the saying, "The strongest hand wins", has no meaning.


[User] In large-scale strategy, if you have a strong army and are relying on strength to win, out the enemy also has a strong army, the battle will be fierce. This is the same for both sides.


[User] Without the correct principle the fight cannot be won.


[User] The spirit of my school is to win through the wisdom of strategy, paying no attention to trifles. Study this well.


[User] Use of the Shorter Long Sword in Other Schools Using a shorter long sword is not the true Way to win.


[User] In ancient times, tacbi and k,11,111,1 meant long and short swords. Men of superior strength in the world can wield even a long sword lightly, so there is no case for their liking the short sword. They also make use of the length of spears and halberds. Some men use a shorter long sword with the intention of jumping in and stabbing the enemy at the unguarded moment when he flourishes his sword. This inclination is bad.


[User] To aim for the enem,·'s unguarded moment is completely defensive, and undesirable at close quarters with the enemy. Furthermore, you cannot use the mcthoJ of jumping inside his Jefencc with a short sworJ if there are many enemies. Some men think that if they go against manv enemies with a shorter long sword they can unrestrictedly frisk around cutting in sweeps, but the\' have to parry cuts continuously, and e\'entually become entangled with the enemy. This is inconsistent with the true \Vay of strategy.


[User] The sure \Vay to win thus is to chase the enemy around in a confusing manner, causing him to jump aside, with your body held strongly and straight. The same principle applies to largc-,calc strategy. The essence of strategy is to fall upon the enemy in large numbers and bring about his speedy downfall. By their study of s:rategy. people of the worlJ get used to countering, evading and retreating as the normal thing. They become set in this habit, so can easily be


[User] paraded around by the enemy. The Way of strategy is straight and true. You must chase the enemy around and make him obey your spirit.


[User] Other Schools with many Methods of using the Long Sword


[User] I think it is held in other schools that there are many methods of using the long sword in order to gain the admiration of beginners. This is selling the \Vay. It is a vile spirit in strategy.


[User] The reason for this is that to deliberate over many ways of cutting down a man is an error. To start with, killing is not the Way of mankind. Killing is the same for people who know about fighting and for those who do not. It is the same for women or children, and there are not many different methods. \Ve can speak of different tactics such as stahbing and mowing down, but none other than these.


[User] Anyway, cutting down the enemy is the Way of strategy, and there is no need for many refinements of it.


[User] Even so, according to the place, your long sword may be obstructed abm·e or to the sides, so you will need to hold your sword in such manner that it can be used. There are five methods in five directions.


[User] Methods apart from these five-hand twisting, body bending, jumping out, and so on, to cut the enemy-arc not in the true \Vay of strategy. In order to cut the cnemv you must not make twisting or bending cuts. This is completclv useless. In my strategy, I bear my spirit and body straight, and cause the enemy to twist and bend. The neces,ary spirit is to win by attacking the enemy when his spirit is warped. You mu st study th is well.


[User] Use of Attitudes of the Long Sword in Other Schools


[User] Placing a great deal of importance on the attitudes of the long sword is a mistaken way of thinking. What is known in the world as "attitude" applies when there is no enemy. The reason is that this has been a precedent since ancient times, and there should be no such thing as "This is the modern way to do it" in duelling. You must force the enemy into inconvenient situations.


[User] Attitudes are for situations in which you are not to be moved. That is, for


[User] garrisoning castles, battle array, and so on, showing the spirit of nor being moved even by a strong assault. In the Way of duelling, however, you must always be intent upon taking the lead and attacking. Attitude is the spirit of awaiting an attack. You must appreciate this.


[User] In duels of strategy you must move the opponent's attitude. Attack where his spirit is lax, throw him into confusion, irritate and terrify him. Take ad\'antage of the enemy's rhythm when he is unsettled and you can win.


[User] I dislike the defensive spirit known as "attitude". Therefore, in my Way, there is something called "Attitude-N0 Attitude".


[User] In large-scale strategy we deploy our troops for battle bearing in mind our strength, observing the enemy's numbers, and noting the details of the battle· field. This is at the start of the battle.


[User] The spirit of attacking first is completely different from the spirit of being attacked. Hearing an attack well, with a strong attitude, and parrying the enemy's attack well, is like making a wall of spears and halberds. When you attack the enemy, your spirit must go to the extent of pulling the stakes out of a wall and using them as spears and halberds. You must examine this well.


[User] Fixing the Eyes in Other Schools


[User] Some schools maintain that the eyes should be fixed on the enemy's long sword. Some schools fix the eyes on the hands. Some fix the eyes on the face, and some fix the eyes on the feet, and so on. If you fix the eyes on these places your spirit can become confused and your strategy thwarted.


[User] I will explain this in detail. Footballers52 do not fix their eyes on the ball, but


[User] by good play on the field they can perform well. When you become accus tomed to something, you are not limited to the use of your eyes. People such as master musicians have the music score in front of their nose, or flourish swords in several ways when they have mastered the Way, but this does not mean that they fix their eyes on these things specifically, or that they make pointless movements of the sword. It means that they can see naturally.


[User] Footballers· Foot!nll was a court game in ancient Japan. There isa reference to it in Cenji


[User] Monogatari.


[User] In the \Vay of strategy, when you have fought many times you will easily be able to appraise the speed and position of the enemy's sword, and having mastery of the Way you will see the weight of his spirit. In strategy, fixing the eyes means gazing at the man's heart.


[User] In large-scale strategy the area to watch is the enemy's strength. "Percept ion" and "sight" are the two methods of seeing. Perception consists of concentrating strongly on the enemy's spirit, observing the condition of the battlefield, fixing the gaze strongly, seeing the progress of the fight and the changes of advantage. This is the sure way to win.


[User] In single combat you must not fix the eyes on details. As I said before, if you fix your eyes on details and neglect important things, your spirit will become bewildered, and victory will escape you. Research this principle well and train diligently.


[User] Use of the Feet in Other Schools


[User] There are various methods of using the feet: floating foot, jumping foot, springing foot, treading foot, crow's foot, and such nimble walking methods. From the point of view of my strategy, these are all unsatisfactory.


[User] I dislike floating foot because the feet always tend to float during the fight.


[User] The Way must be trod firmly.


[User] Neither do I like jumping foot, because it encourages the habit of jumping, and a jumpy spirit. However much you jump, there is no real justification for it; so jumping is bad.


[User] Springing foot causes a springing spirit which is indecisive. Treading foot is a "waiting" method, and I especially dislike it.


[User] Apart from these, there are various fast walking methods, such as crow's foot, and so on.


[User] Sometimes, however, you may encounter the enemy on marshland, swampy ground, river valleys, stony ground, or narrow roads, in which situations you cannot jump or move the feet quickly.


[User] In my strategy, the footwork does not change. I always walk as I usually do in the street. You must never lose control of your feet. According to the enemy's rhythm, move fast or slowly, adjusting your body not too much and not too little.


[User] Carrying rhe feer is imporranr also in large-scale strategy. This is because, if you attack quickly and rhoughtlessly without knowing the enemy's spirit, your rhythm will become deranged and you will not be able to win. Or, if you advance too slowly, you will not be able to take advantage of the enemy's disorder, the opportunity to win will escape, and you will not be able to finish the fight quickly. You must win by seizing upon the enemy's disorder and derangement, and by not according him even a little hope of recovery. Practise this well.


[User] Speed in Other Schools


[User] Speed is not part of the true Way of strategy. Speed implies that things seem fast or slow, according to whether or nor they are in rhythm. Whatever the Way, rhe master of strategy does not appear fast.


[User] Some people can walk as fast as a hundred or a hundred and twenty miles in a day, but this does nor mean that they run conrinuously from morning rill night. Unpractised runners may seem to have been running all day, bur rheir perfor mance is poor.


[User] In the Way of dance, accomplished performers can sing while dancing, but when beginners rry this they slow down and their spirit becomes busy. The "old pine tree"5 3 melody beaten on a leather drum is rranquil, bur when beginners try this they slow down and their spirit becomes busy. Very skilful people can manage a fast rhythm, but it is bad to beat hurriedly. If you try to beat too quickly you will get out of time. Of course, slowness is bad. Really skilful people never get our of time, and are always deliberate, and never appear busy. From this example, the principle can be seen.


[User] What is known as speed is especially bad in the Way of strategy. The reason for this is that depending on the place, marsh or swamp and so on, it may not be possible to move the body and legs together quickly. Still less will you be able to cur quickly if you have a long sword in this situation. If you try to cut quickly, as if using a fan or short sword, you will not actually cur even a little. You must appreciate this.


[User] Old pine tree, "KoMatsu Bushi", an old tune for flute or lyre.


[User] In large-scale strategy also, a fast busy spirit is undesirable. The spirit must be that of holding down a pillow, then you will not be even a little late.


[User] When your opponent is hurrying recklessly, you must act contrarily and keep calm. You must not be influenced by the opponent. Train diligently to attain this spirit.


[User] "Interior" and "Surface" in Other Schools There is no "interior" nor "surface" in strategy.


[User] The artistic accomplishments usually claim inner meaning and secret


[User] tradition, and "interior" and "gate",54 but in combat there is no such thing as fighting on the surface, or cutting with the interior. When I teach my Way, I first teach by training in techniques which arc easy for the pupil to understand, a doctrine which is easy to understand. I gradually endeavour to explain the deep principle, points which it is hardly possible to comprehend, according to the pupil's progress. In any event, because the way to understanding is through experience, I <lo not speak of "interior" and "gate".


[User] In this world, if you go into the mountains, and decide to go deeper and yet deeper, instead you will emerge at the gate. Whatever the Way, it has an interior, and it is sometimes a good thing to point out the gate. In strategy, we cannot say what is concealed an<l what is revealed.


[User] Accordingly I dislike passing on my Way through written pledges and regulations. Perceiving the ability of my pupils, I teach the direct Way, remove the bad influence of other schools, and gradually introduce them to the true Way of the warrior.


[User] The method of teaching my strategy is with a trustworthy spirit. You must train diligently.


[User] I have tried to record an outline of the strategy of other schools in the above ninescctions. lcouldnowcontinucbygivinga specific account of these schools one by one, from the "gate" to the "interior", but I have intentionally not named the schools or their main points. The reason for this is that different branches of schools give different interpretations of the doctrines. In as much


[User] 54 Gate: A student enrolling in a school would pass through the gate of the Dojo. To enter a


[User] reacher's gate means to take up a course of stuJy.


[User] as men's opinions differ, so there must be differing ideas on the same matter. Thus no one man's conception is valid for any school.


[User] I have shown the general tendencies of other schools on nine points. If we look at them from an honest viewpoint, we see that people always tend to like long swords or short swords, and become concerned with strength in both large and small matters. You can see why I do not deal with the "gates" of other schools.


[User] In my !chi school of the long sword there is neither gate nor interior. There is


[User] no inner meaning in sword attitudes. You must simply keep your spirit true to


[User] realise the virtue of strategy.


[User] Twelfth day of the fifth month, the second year of Shoho (1645)


[User] THE  BOOK OF THE VOID


[User] The Ni To Ichi Way of strategy is recorded in this the Book of the Void.


[User] What is called the spirit of the void is where there is nothing. It is not included in man's knowledge. Of course the void is nothingness. By knowing things that exist, you can know that which does not exist. That is the void.


[User] People in this world look at things mistakenly, and think that whatthey do not understand must be the void. This is not the true void. It is bewilderment.


[User] In the Way of strategy, also, those who study as warriors think that whatever they cannot understand in their craft is the void. This is not the true void.


[User] To attain the Way of strategy as a warrior you mu st study fully other martial arts and not deviate even a little from the Way of the warrior. With your spirit settled, accumulate practice day by day, and hour by hour. Polish the twofold spirit heart and mind, and sharpen the twofold gaze perception and sight. When your spirit is not in the least clouded, when the clouds of bewilderment clear away, there is the true void.


[User] Until you realise the true Way, whether in Buddhism or in common sense, you may think that things are correct and in order. However, if we look at things objectively, from the viewpoint of laws of the world, we see various doctrines departing from the true Way. Know well this spirit, and with forthrightness as the foundation and the true spirit as the Way. Enact strategy broadly, correctly and openly.


[User] Then you will come to think of things in a wide sense and, taking the void as the Way, you will see the Way as void.


[User] In the void is virtue, and no evil. Wisdom has existence, principle has existence, the Way has existence, spirit is nothingness.


[User] Twelfth day of the fifth month, second year of Shoho (1645)


[User] Teruro Magonojo	SHINMEN MUSASHI


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'The Big Idea... ?'

[Assistant]
The Big Idea
It has been a customary perception that peace-loving people triumph more in life. Few realize that this is the very idea that acts as a barrier to realizing and identifying indispensable provisions to thrive in the challenges of day-to-day living. Day after day, you will be faced with numerous conflicts that demand the need to engage in constant struggle or battle. Bestselling author Robert Greene shares 33 effective strategies of war to guide you through the realistic battlefield called life.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Self-Directed Warfare... ?'

[Assistant] Self-Directed Warfare


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'The mind indeed is so powerful that it can propel ... ?'

[Assistant] The mind indeed is so powerful that it can propel anything to action.  A mind that is too emotional and clouded by past resentments may not see the world clearly and generate inappropriate strategies. - Declare War On Your Enemies: The Polarity Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Struggle is indeed an inevitable part of life... ?'

[Assistant] Struggle is indeed an inevitable part of life. Enemies come everywhere, sometimes explicitly but more often than not, subtly. It is important that you recognize these enemies and from there, start strategizing. Yet again, everything starts from within. You should face the world with an open anticipation of this battle. It is your responsibility to program yourself to be in battle mode most of the time. Otherwise, you may easily be overpowered and end up a loser.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Discovering that you have too many enemies may ent... ?'

[Assistant] Discovering that you have too many enemies may entice you towards the safer side; which is to act in accordance to the enemies’ ways and be one of them. You should prevent this from happening or else, you will lose your identity.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'A magnet best demonstrates the polarity strategy... ?'

[Assistant] A magnet best demonstrates the polarity strategy. Opposite poles create movement. Consider your enemies as your opposites. Without enemies, you might lose your drive to go on with life.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with '- Do Not Fight The Last War: The Guerilla-War-Of-T... ?'

[Assistant] - Do Not Fight The Last War: The Guerilla-War-Of-The-Mind Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Some people linger so much on the successes of the... ?'

[Assistant]
Some people linger so much on the successes of the past, thinking that any change will hamper luck’s persistence. There is nothing wrong in celebrating

past achievements. However, having a notion that previously effective strategies are perpetually the best is not at all beneficial.
A mind that is locked up in the past gets a blurred version of reality. The past may be a good teacher but it should not be the focus and sole basis of all your thoughts and actions. Move forward and get hooked by present endeavors and their conditions. Holding on so much to past successes and resentments may indeed cause the mind to languish somewhere along the way. To restore the mind’s natural course forward, here are some tactics that you can employ:


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Reexamine all your cherished beliefs and principle... ?'

[Assistant] Reexamine all your cherished beliefs and principles.	Get out of your paradigms and think out of the box based on the present.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Erase the memory of the last war... ?'

[Assistant]
Erase the memory of the last war. Whether it was a triumph or a failure, make each war a fresh new start.
Keep the mind moving. Be as sensitive as you can to what the current circumstance has to offer and work your way around it.
Absorb the spirit of the times.	Adapt to the demands of the present. Strategize based on current state of affairs, not on theories of the past.
Reverse course.	In certain transactions, actions and reactions may be very predictable. Get out of the trend and be more innovative. - Amidst The Turmoil of Events, Do Not Lose Your Presence of Mind: The Counterbalance Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'At war, you are not expected to be cautious... ?'

[Assistant] At war, you are not expected to be cautious. Too much carefulness is a manifestation of fear. Do not be afraid to commit mistakes or to take risks. Fear will only hinder you from moving forward. Remember that presence of mind is an essential armor. It counters your tendency to drift away from the conflict and go back to the comfort zone. It boosts your confidence and gives you assurance that you can successfully tackle all your encounters and recuperate from your mistakes. It positively overpowers doubt as it fills you with determination and drive.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Nevertheless, presence of mind may not be that eas... ?'

[Assistant] Nevertheless, presence of mind may not be that easy to achieve. Preparation is key. This means you must delve into the battle in advance to foresee possible scenarios and conceptualize corresponding courses of action. During actual war, in spite of the chaos that comes with it, you should not lose confidence because you should already know what to do. Do not allow pessimism to affect you. Instead, try to influence the people around you with your tranquility.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Here are some ways by which you can enhance your m... ?'

[Assistant] Here are some ways by which you can enhance your mind’s strength in any kind of situation:


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Expose yourself to conflict... ?'

[Assistant] Expose yourself to conflict. Confront your fears. The wider your experience in conflict is, the more practice you get.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Be self-reliant... ?'

[Assistant]
Be self-reliant. Equip yourself with the necessary skills so that you do not have to depend on other people.
Suffer fools gladly. You encounter a lot of fools everywhere. Thus, you are not required to expend all your limited resources to all of them. Do not be too involved.
Crowd out feelings of panic by focusing on simple tasks. Visualize things that are easy and familiar to you to divert your attention from anxiety.
Unintimidate yourself. Picture the enemy as way inferior compared to you.
Develop your fingertip feel. Follow your intuition and make quick decisions based on it. - Create A Sense of Urgency And Desperation: The Death- Ground Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'In addition to establishing and strengthening conn... ?'

[Assistant] In addition to establishing and strengthening connections with current circumstances, consider the present as not offering a gray area. It is either you make it or break it. This leaves no room for wasted time. Death, inevitable as it is, may be seen as a good motivator to maximize every single moment available. There is a psychological phenomenon called death ground where a certain situation seems to offer zero options. The only way to get out of the trap is to act without much ado. Otherwise, failure may be expected. There is pressure, of course, but its effects are ultimately beneficial.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Below are five actions that can easily put you on ... ?'

[Assistant]
Below are five actions that can easily put you on psychological death ground:
Stake everything on a single throw. This gives no room for failure as there is simply too much at stake.
Act before you are ready.	Push yourself to move forward and take advantage of the pressure that you encounter once you are there.
Enter new waters. Get out of your comfort zone and be challenged.
Make it “you against the world”. Always think that you are putting your entire person at stake. Deprive your enemies the opportunity to celebrate your failure.
Keep yourself restless and unsatisfied. Get out of complacency. Constantly challenge yourself. Bring yourself to death ground always. Organizational (Team) Warfare


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'The subsequent strategies emphasize the need to un... ?'

[Assistant] The subsequent strategies emphasize the need to understand a team as a whole as well as its composition. A clear perception not only will pave the way for changes but will also identify better strategies to attain the team’s purpose. - Avoid The Snares Of Groupthink: The Command-And-Control Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Since an organization is composed of different peo... ?'

[Assistant] Since an organization is composed of different people with varied personalities, intentions, and goals, it is important that you, as a leader, are aware of the strengths and weakness of your people. This will tell you how to approach each part of the chain of command to get them more involved. You further your knowledge of what is taking place and ascertain if you are all directed towards your goal. This you accomplish without falling into “groupthink” or the senselessness of merely arriving at a collective decision.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Furthermore, you must recognize the fact that it i... ?'

[Assistant] Furthermore, you must recognize the fact that it is time-consuming and beyond human capacity to monitor and give direction to everyone all at the same time. Therefore, it is wise to recruit people who have the same vision as you do and who would willingly work for that vision on your behalf. This significantly saves you a lot of time since you will not have to deal with difficult people.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with '- Segment Your Forces: The Controlled-Chaos Strate... ?'

[Assistant] - Segment Your Forces: The Controlled-Chaos Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Everything transpires quickly at war... ?'

[Assistant] Everything transpires quickly at war. You are not given the luxury of time. You have to make decisions and act before the enemy does. Conversely, with the progression of time, more and more information becomes available. This further contributes to the complexity of decision-making. Controlling a huge team will not be able to fulfill this requisite for speed and adaptability. Creation of smaller teams that are directed towards particular and clear goals is more effective.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'This may be a risk on your part, though, since you... ?'

[Assistant] This may be a risk on your part, though, since you are delegating some part of your control. However, it is more strategic as it provides you mobility. The teams are dispersed but focused at the same time. This gives each of them a clearer view of what is actually happening and allows them to respond accordingly.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with '- Transform Your War Into A Crusade: Morale Strate... ?'

[Assistant] - Transform Your War Into A Crusade: Morale Strategies


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'It is man’s natural tendency to protect his own in... ?'

[Assistant] It is man’s natural tendency to protect his own interests to survive. Thus, even in an organization, members may have their own goals and intentions. It is your responsibility, as a leader, to encourage them to put aside their individual concerns and crusade altogether against a certain enemy. Instill in them that only by working wholly can everyone turn out victorious. The following steps will help you focus and convert into an undivided system the dynamics of a certain group:


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Unite your troops around a cause... ?'

[Assistant]
Unite your troops around a cause. A cause gives more meaning to efforts.
Keep their bellies full. Do not take some of their needs for granted. Otherwise, their selfishness will resurface.
Lead from the front. Experience what your people are experiencing to sustain their motivation. Be a leader of action, not just words.
Concentrate their ch’i. Ch’i is an energy that all living things have. Having not much to do lowers one’s ch’i or spirit. Keep your people active.
Play to their emotions. However, be careful not to target the emotional aspect right away. Find the best manner and timing first.
Mix harshness and kindness. There should be a good balance of punishment and reward. Correct mistakes but do not forget to reinforce positive actions.
Build the group myth. Build a tradition of success that will make the members appreciate their belongingness.
Be ruthless with grumblers. Otherwise, they will simply influence those who are motivated and disciplined. Defensive Warfare


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'When using defensive warfare, you attack only when... ?'

[Assistant]
When using defensive warfare, you attack only when necessary. You also capitalize on the enemy’s confusion as it instigates unwise attacks working to your advantage.
- Pick Your Battles Carefully: The Perfect-Economy Strategy
All human beings have certain strengths and, at the same time, weaknesses. At some point, you will have limitations. Realistically, you cannot tackle everything. Thus, it is important that you balance the costs and benefits of any situation before plunging into it. At times, your desire to get something that you really want propels you to be impulsive and blocks off your capacity to identify further costs. You are blinded by merely the benefits. Extra effort must indeed be exerted to see beyond the obvious and look at reality in its entirety - including the not-so-good side of it.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with '- Turn The Tables: The Counterattack Strategy... ?'

[Assistant] - Turn The Tables: The Counterattack Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Warriors often take into consideration only two op... ?'

[Assistant] Warriors often take into consideration only two options: to fight offensively or defensively. Offensive attacks immediately create an enemy and may result in reckless decisions that encumber self-control. Defensiveness, on the other hand, leads to passiveness and avoidance of enemies as much as possible. There is a third option that is often disregarded. This is a balance of both offensive and defensive strategies. When enemies sense weakness in the opponent, they lower their guard. This is the best time to let your offensive strategies come into play. Catch your enemies off guard. Make your actions as unpredictable as possible.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'A counterattack like this saves time as well... ?'

[Assistant] A counterattack like this saves time as well. The circumstance found its way to you on its own. The best thing you can do is react suddenly, expending only a short period of time and resources.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with '- Create A Threatening Presence: Deterrence Strate... ?'

[Assistant] - Create A Threatening Presence: Deterrence Strategies


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Do not allow yourself to succumb to intimidation... ?'

[Assistant] Do not allow yourself to succumb to intimidation. You are more prone to it if enemies find you weak and vulnerable. Deterrence strategies simply reverse this kind of an impression. The following are methods of deterrence and reverse intimidation:


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Surprise with a bold maneuver... ?'

[Assistant]
Surprise with a bold maneuver. Take risks in the face of the enemy to highlight your strengths instead of weaknesses.
Reverse the threat. Identify areas that your enemy is most vulnerable and attack them there.
Seem unpredictable and irrational. Do not allow your enemies to find a pattern in your actions. Show them that, at times, you can really be irrational. A close encounter with you could definitely be risky.
Play on people’s natural paranoia. Inform your enemies of your strengths indirectly. The more vague the available information is, the more they become paranoid.
Establish a frightening reputation. Over the years, create a trend showing how intimidating you are. - Trade Space For Time: The Nonengagement Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Retreat is not a sign of weakness... ?'

[Assistant] Retreat is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it is one way of utilizing and maximizing available resources. Get out of your paradigm that advancing is the best thing to do no matter what since it is not always the case. Retreat paves the way for reassessment of the situation and strategies. It saves time and effort for situations that really call for action. Offensive Warfare


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'There are simply things that you cannot exactly an... ?'

[Assistant]
There are simply things that you cannot exactly anticipate. The discrepancy between your expectations and what is real is called “friction”.  By practicing

offensive strategies, you initiate the war by attacking first. Thus, you get a better hand at control and create actual circumstances based on your expectations. Friction then manifests at the enemy’s side. - Lose Battles But Win The War: Grand Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Reflect on where you really want to go and what yo... ?'

[Assistant]
Reflect on where you really want to go and what you want your destiny to be. It may also be helpful to see where your skills seem to be bringing you right now. After which, think forward but be sure you are taking several steps ahead. Look at your final destiny as an entire campaign, not just individual battles to recover from. This is the so-called grand strategy. The ultimate end result is more essential than each phase.
The following are the four main principles of grand strategy: Focus on your greater goal, your destiny. Start with a specific, defined, and focused goal in life that is in line with reality.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Widen your perspective... ?'

[Assistant]
Widen your perspective. Expand your vision of the world. Do not limit yourself to what you simply want to happen. Be as realistic as possible but make sure you capture much of reality.
Sever the roots. Look beyond what is obvious. Observe your enemy and analyze what causes him to act that way.
Take the indirect route to your goal. Create a plan and do not be reactive to every single move of the enemy. Focus on your long-term plan and work your way through it. - Know Your Enemy: The Intelligence Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Be keener in your interactions with people and sit... ?'

[Assistant] Be keener in your interactions with people and situations. The superficial does not always reveal the entirety of one’s thoughts and intentions. Narcissism is one’s tendency to perceive other people as always in accordance to his own values and goals. You always see yourself in other people. Thus, you have a distorted image of reality. In effect, you do not get to strategize appropriately. Remember that your opponent’s mind is your real enemy. Having an accurate grasp of the enemy’s weaknesses will contribute much to your victory.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with '- Overwhelm Resistance With Speed And Suddenness: ... ?'

[Assistant] - Overwhelm Resistance With Speed And Suddenness: The Blitzkrieg Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'This does not pertain to impetuous speed as it sho... ?'

[Assistant]
This does not pertain to impetuous speed as it should involve a carefully crafted plan. You must come up with a plan that will catch your enemies off guard. A certain level of order and strategy must initially be in place to harness the benefits of the speed and suddenness of your actions.  Prepare yourself and

carefully analyze your opponent. Identify his weaknesses. To lure him into lowering his guard, appear weak. Attack when the enemy least expects it.
As time progresses, modern life’s pace also increases, bringing with it more information, influences, and disturbances. Life has generally been perceived as unforgiving and ruthless. Thus, it is natural for human beings to withdraw themselves from reality. They also try to slow down to avoid committing mistakes. People have learned over the years to be cautious. Blitzkrieg warfare seems to be the most fitting strategy for times like these. You take advantage of the opponent’s slowing down and surprise him with an attack. With this, he is left without an opportunity to be careful anymore and is forced to act impulsively. He gets confounded and you follow up with another attack that causes further confusion. This leads to a cycle of error on the opponent’s part leading to his downfall.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with '- Control The Dynamic: Forcing Strategies... ?'

[Assistant] - Control The Dynamic: Forcing Strategies


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'At some point, you will encounter people who want ... ?'

[Assistant]
At some point, you will encounter people who want to exercise control over you. You can easily reverse this by following these four basic principles and gain ultimate control:
Keep them on their heels. Take the initiative before the enemy does.
Shift the battlefield. You can confuse your enemies by making essential factors unfamiliar to them. Eventually, they will be exerting efforts that are to your advantage without them immediately realizing it.
Compel mistakes. Your enemies definitely have plans as well. Push them to become impulsive and commit a cycle of mistakes along the way.
Assume passive control. Let them believe they are in control. This way, they will lower their guards a little. - Hit Them Where It Hurts: The Center-Of-Gravity Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Gravitational pull is said to support the earth an... ?'

[Assistant] Gravitational pull is said to support the earth and keep it in place. At war, the opponent’s power rests on certain elements that work for them like gravity. Look beyond the obvious and identify what these gravity-like elements are and make it your target. Distressing it will certainly make them fall apart. - Defeat Them In Detail: The Divide-And-Conquer Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Instead of looking at the totality of your opponen... ?'

[Assistant] Instead of looking at the totality of your opponent, try to examine its parts and how you can defeat each of them. The whole may appear overwhelming and disheartening to conquer. The parts, however, seem easier to overcome. Aside from the parts, you must also take into consideration the joints that connect them. In implementing change, for example, you can only get them to adapt the change if you understand what is causing their resistance. A connection to the past is normally the cause thus comes the need to disturb them out of it. This connection to the past is normally emotional in nature. In this case, the emotions involved serve as a joint and you need to tackle it to break it.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with '- Expose And Attack Your Opponent’s Soft Flank: Th... ?'

[Assistant] - Expose And Attack Your Opponent’s Soft Flank: The Turning Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'People tend to camouflage their weaknesses by pres... ?'

[Assistant] People tend to camouflage their weaknesses by presenting the opposite. The most effective way to overcome this kind of situation is to attack indirectly. Targeting the opponent’s strong front will only waste your time and energy. You may need to take a longer, but more effective, route. Consider areas least expected to be attacked. Eventually, because of surprise, they will unintentionally uncover their weak aspect and will unconsciously make the rest of the attack easier for you. - Envelop The Enemy: The Annihilation Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'When the enemy feels that there is not a single ga... ?'

[Assistant]
When the enemy feels that there is not a single gap in your strategies that he can take advantage of, he starts to get weak and lose control of the situation.
Any form of manipulation of the mind, whether positive or negative, shall strongly influence corresponding actions. Remember that the mind is a mighty propeller. Given these two facts, envelopment does not have to be physically accurate. You may approach psychologically by merely creating a feeling of being caught without any way to escape. Appeal to your opponent’s emotions and you will notice that things will automatically fall into place the way you expected it.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with '- Maneuver Them Into Weakness: The Ripening-For-Th... ?'

[Assistant] - Maneuver Them Into Weakness: The Ripening-For-The- Sickle Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'As mentioned earlier, as you go on through life, c... ?'

[Assistant]
As mentioned earlier, as you go on through life, circumstances calling for war-like encounters are inevitable. Embarking upon them one after another can be really exhausting. A wise strategist will think of ways to weaken the opponent first before engaging in actual battle.
Here are four main principles by which you can contrive your enemies to weakness: Craft a plan with branches. Analyze the situation in its entirety. Equip yourself with different options or ‘branches’. This provides you the necessary flexibility to cope with whatever the situation has to offer.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Give yourself room to maneuver... ?'

[Assistant]
Give yourself room to maneuver. Be open to options. Prepare yourself physically and psychologically.
Give your enemy dilemmas, not problems. Problems can be solved but dilemmas will surely leave your opponents confused. Provide them options but make sure both are to your advantage. Thus, whatever they choose, they still fail.
Create maximum disorder. The opponent reads your every move the same way that you do. Do not hinder him from doing so but send out only meaningless and ambiguous information. This will simply lead him to spiraling disorder and confusion. - Negotiate While Advancing: The Diplomatic-War Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'When things do not seem resolved at battle, people... ?'

[Assistant]
When things do not seem resolved at battle, people resort to negotiations. The strength that you have prepared for battle should be maintained during negotiations for these usually involve scheming for power and control.
Moreover, you should also study your opponents just like the way you analyze them before battle. A good understanding of their weaknesses and goals will give you advantage in terms of maneuver. Conversely, you should make sure that you remain as ambiguous and as unpredictable to them as possible. This will give you a better position when you maneuver them towards the corners of a certain circumstance and personally gain advancement. - Know How To End Things: The Exit Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Always put to mind your purpose for entering the w... ?'

[Assistant] Always put to mind your purpose for entering the war in the first place. Reevaluate and see if you have attained that in the end. Your goal is definitely not to create enemies who shall unendingly go after you. Winning the war is not what is ultimately important. How you win it and what the war made out of you bring more significance above all. Given this, you have to know when to push through or when to retreat. If you feel that in no way will you be geared towards your goals, you might as well retreat. Otherwise, you will realize its negative effects when it is already difficult or impossible to remedy.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Remember that an ending is never a fundamental dea... ?'

[Assistant] Remember that an ending is never a fundamental dead-end. Rather it is just the beginning of yet another opportunity. Thus, a war should end on a positive note, acting more as a teacher that will guide you in your next moves. Unconventional (Dirty) Warfare


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'A warrior must adapt to changing times by constant... ?'

[Assistant] A warrior must adapt to changing times by constantly thinking of new ways of fighting. Sticking to tradition may not be effective as demands change with time. The following strategies present several helpful unconventional practices. - Weave A Seamless Blend Of Fact and Fiction: Misperception Strategies


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'The more unclear your actions and strategies are t... ?'

[Assistant]
The more unclear your actions and strategies are to the opponent, the better. This makes it more complex for your enemies to fathom reality. Leave them to their own interpretations while you advance. Remember that, at times, perception is blinded by what one expects to see so strategize around this idea.

-	Take	The	Line	Of	Least	Expectation:	The	Ordinary- Extraordinary Strategy
Your enemies may anticipate your actions by basing it on certain patterns of actions and behavior. Fail them in their expectations and be as unpredictable as possible. You might want to confuse them by being conventional initially. Once they have established the idea that you work traditionally, veer away and work extraordinarily. Confusion and disorder then occur at their side, hindering them from executing the right strategies. - Occupy The Moral High Ground: The Righteous Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Question the value of your opponent’s campaign and... ?'

[Assistant] Question the value of your opponent’s campaign and efforts. Build up your own as more worthy. Make this fact obvious by proactively advocating it. Probe into some of your opponent’s intentions and make it appear as if they are doing the wrong thing. Capitalize on some points that may sever their reputation. Use guilt to disillusion them. - Deny Them Targets: The Strategy Of The Void


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Human beings always act for a certain purpose... ?'

[Assistant] Human beings always act for a certain purpose. At war, the opponent’s ultimate goal is certainly to target or capture you by tempting you to attack certain points that are intended to make you fall into a trap. Do not give away success. Do everything you can to make their efforts pointless. Let them go home empty- handed. The mere psychological effects of emptiness can negatively affect their strategies. They will desperately do anything just to achieve something. - Seem To Work For The Interests Of Others While Furthering Your Own: The Alliance Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'You might have recognized already the importance o... ?'

[Assistant]
You might have recognized already the importance of getting alliances to decentralize some tasks. However, this is not simply about getting whoever it is available. The emotional aspect should not take center stage this time. Moreover, an increase in number does not guarantee quality. There should be a healthy balance between quality and quantity.
Keep in mind as well that you are getting allies to complement you temporarily. In other words, they should be able to do things you cannot accomplish on your own and possess some of the resources that you lack. However, just like in other relationships, it has to be two-way. You should also be able to cater to their self-interests to sustain their support. - Give Your Rivals Enough Rope To Hang Themselves: The One-Upmanship Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Not all enemies come from outside... ?'

[Assistant] Not all enemies come from outside. At times, you will find them in places you least expect, that is, inside. You may be working with people you think are working with you towards the same goal. However, you should not freely give away trust. There may be some who are good at pretending to be one with you while working for their own personal interests. Defeat them by subtly making them feel inferior and dubious of their capabilities. Thereafter, you do not need to do anything else as the situation will run its own course. Doubt never does a person any good. Eventually, you will find them committing endless and pointless mistakes. They will soon realize their own defeat but there will be no one else to blame but themselves.  You will then be able to isolate them without you seeming cruel.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with '- Take Small Bites: The Fait Accompli Strategy... ?'

[Assistant] - Take Small Bites: The Fait Accompli Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'To conquer something is not always straightforward... ?'

[Assistant]
To conquer something is not always straightforward as envy comes into the picture. Some simply cannot appreciate your successes but wish for your downfall instead. Such should not push you to lower your standards. You may still maintain your ambition but you must work towards it differently.
Taking small bites is the most suitable way of going about it. However, this manner requires that you be clear and specific in your objectives at the very start. Knowing your target well will make significant parts more evident and will allow you to strategically conquer each of them. This strategy is too subtle that it does not capture much attention. In effect, you can freely move about and implement your plans. If and when they do notice, it will all be too late since you must have conquered much already. Constraining you at some point will only work to their disadvantage.


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with '- Penetrate Their Minds: Communication Strategies... ?'

[Assistant] - Penetrate Their Minds: Communication Strategies


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'Effectively communicating your ideas can significa... ?'

[Assistant] Effectively communicating your ideas can significantly alter another person’s behavior. They may primarily block you off in several ways but appealing to their emotions will certainly lower these defenses. As soon as you’ve penetrated their minds, everything will run in accordance to your expectations. - Destroy From Within: The Inner-Front Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'The best way to truly know your enemy is to take t... ?'

[Assistant]
The best way to truly know your enemy is to take their side and appear a supporter. You will be able to gain information not readily available and accessible to outsiders. Use this information to propel your subtle maneuvers leading to the opponent’s destruction.

-	Dominate	While	Seeming	To	Submit:	The	Passive- Aggression Strategy
Outright expression of contradiction is often translated as a form of aggression. This mainly explains why some people are hesitant to implement something that is not in line with the usual as they are concerned about gaining resistance and dislike. Therefore, to block off this notion before it even surfaces, you must project yourself as in submission to your opponent. In this way, you get zero resistance. You, in turn, resort to subtly influencing them as you go with the flow. - Sow Uncertainty And Panic Through Acts of Terror: The Chain-Reaction Strategy


[User] What is the main idea of the segment starting with 'A person can easily be influenced and affected by ... ?'

[Assistant] A person can easily be influenced and affected by the emotions of those surrounding him. Introducing fear instigates extreme emotional reaction that spreads almost automatically. A great sense of fear makes anyone more vulnerable than usual and less resistant. Strategic capabilities seem to take the back seat as well. You can take advantage of this if you want to easily conquer an enemy.


[User] What are the key strategies for achieving quick victories in 'The Art of War'?

[Assistant] Key strategies for achieving quick victories in 'The Art of War' include attacking the enemy's weaknesses directly, using speed and surprise, and avoiding prolonged engagements that drain resources and morale.


[User] What does 'The Commander' symbolize in 'The Art of War'?

[Assistant] 'The Commander' in 'The Art of War' symbolizes the leader's qualities, such as wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness. These traits are essential for gaining the trust and loyalty of the troops.


[User] Explain the significance of 'Heaven' and 'Earth' in 'The Art of War'.

[Assistant] 'Heaven' refers to environmental conditions like weather and seasons, while 'Earth' pertains to geographical factors such as terrain and distances. Both are critical in determining the outcome of military operations.


[User] Describe how 'Method and Discipline' contribute to military success in 'The Art of War'.

[Assistant] 'Method and Discipline' ensure effective organization, control, assignment of ranks, regulation of supply routes, and provision of resources. These elements maintain order and readiness, contributing to military success.


[User] Paraphrase the role of 'The Commander' in 'The Art of War'.

[Assistant] In 'The Art of War', 'The Commander' embodies the leader's essential traits, including wisdom, sincerity, and courage. These qualities are crucial for inspiring trust and loyalty among the troops.


[User] Summarize the key points of Chapter 2: Waging War in 'The Art of War'.

[Assistant] Chapter 2 of 'The Art of War' emphasizes the importance of quick, decisive actions to avoid resource depletion and morale loss. Strategies for swift victories are highlighted to maintain an army's strength and effectiveness.


[User] Provide a historical example where 'Method and Discipline' played a crucial role in a military campaign.

[Assistant] During the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon's strict method and discipline in organizing his Grande Armée allowed for efficient movements and supply management, contributing significantly to his early military successes.


[User] Describe a business scenario where the principle of 'Method and Discipline' from 'The Art of War' can be applied.

[Assistant] In a corporate setting, 'Method and Discipline' can be applied by implementing structured processes, clear hierarchies, and efficient resource management to ensure smooth operations and effective project execution.


[User] Create a dialogue between two generals discussing the importance of 'Heaven' in planning their strategy.

[Assistant] General 1: 'We need to consider the weather patterns before launching our attack.' General 2: 'Absolutely. 'Heaven' dictates the environmental conditions, and timing our movements with favorable weather can give us a significant advantage.'


[User] Simulate a conversation where a leader explains the concept of 'Moral Law' to a new recruit.

[Assistant] Leader: 'Moral Law is about the unity and trust between the ruler and the people. When the people believe in their leader, they are willing to follow through any challenge.' Recruit: 'So, it's essential to maintain that trust and alignment to keep the morale high?' Leader: 'Exactly. A united front is the key to overcoming any obstacle.'


[User] Compare 'The Commander's' qualities in 'The Art of War' with those of modern corporate leaders.

[Assistant] 'The Commander' in 'The Art of War' is characterized by wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness. Similarly, modern corporate leaders are expected to possess vision, integrity, empathy, decisiveness, and the ability to enforce discipline effectively.


[User] Compare the five fundamental factors in 'The Art of War' to the key elements of strategic business management.

[Assistant] The five fundamental factors (Moral Law, Heaven, Earth, The Commander, Method and Discipline) in 'The Art of War' can be compared to strategic business management elements like organizational culture, market conditions, geographical factors, leadership, and operational processes.


[User] List and explain the five fundamental factors in 'The Art of War'.

[Assistant] The five fundamental factors are: 1) Moral Law: unity between the ruler and people; 2) Heaven: environmental conditions; 3) Earth: geographical factors; 4) The Commander: leadership qualities; 5) Method and Discipline: organization and control.


[User] What are the key elements to consider in 'The Art of War' when planning a military strategy?

[Assistant] The key elements to consider include understanding the Moral Law, analyzing Heaven and Earth conditions, evaluating the qualities of The Commander, and ensuring Method and Discipline in operations.