In the practical art of war, the best thing of all
is to take the enemy's country whole and intact;
to shatter and destroy it is not so good.
So, too, it is better to recapture an army entire
than to destroy it, to capture a regiment,
a detachment or a company entire
than to destroy them.
With his forces intact,
he will dispute the mastery of the Empire,
and thus, without losing a man,
his triumph will be complete.
This is the method of attacking by strategem.
III Attack By Strategem #1 & 7
On the Art of War
Sun Tzu
The Golden Bridge
Balancing up your opponent's "beast" before,
during, and after the game, will prevent unnecessary
"slaughter" on the game board.
Note to self: Do not expect your opponent to do the same.
❦
"At any point in time,
we can change in two directions,
to the better, or worse."
Shi Heng Yi
According as circumstances are favorable,
one should modify one's plans.
I. Laying Plans #17
❦
Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy.
Do not interfere with an army that is returning home. *
When you surround an army, leave an
outlet free.
Do not press a desperate foe too hard. **
VII. Maneuvering #35 & 36
❦
Peace proposals unaccompanied
by a sworn covenant
indicate a plot.
When some are seen advancing
and some retreating,
it is a lure.
When envoys are sent with
compliments in their mouths,
it is a sign that the enemy
wishes for a truce.
IX. The Army On the March #26, 28 & 38
❦
If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.
XI. The Nine Situations #65
On the Art of War
Sun Tzu
* Note to self: Know where 'home' is.
** That depends…
How desperate? Which way are they running?
Enthusiastic Holdouts
Strategy
<!– it's been done before –>
<!– watch out for [Milton's] booby traps –>
<!– and, outlets open doors –>
Freedom Fighter
Compassion
Regardless of how awake I am now,
at one point I was fooled ...very much so.
Empathy
Prohibit the taking of omens,
and do away with superstitious doubts.
Then, until death itself comes,
no calamity need be feared.
On the Art of War
XI. The Nine Situations #26
Sun Tzu
From a different angle with a different touch:
Do not turn to mediums or spiritists;
[neither seek after wizards]
do not seek them out to be defiled by them.
I am the Lord your God
Leviticus 19:31
(one of many versions)
Therefore, in chariot fighting,
when ten or more chariots have been taken,
those should be rewarded who took the first.
Our own flags should be substituted for those of the enemy,
and the chariots mingled and used in conjunction with ours.
On the Art of War
II. Waging War #17
Sun Tzu
✨ Chariots and Flags ✨
filler
1 3
1
9 9
1 1 6 6 6 1 1
3 3
1
1 3
filler
Among many things,
these numbers
— and symbols —
weren't theirs to begin with, anyway.
🤘😎
False Prophet Guilt–Tripping Missionary Money Man/Woman
...and Bullies
Self–defense is not vengeance.
First things first, so to speak.
<!– bullies *always* cast the first stone –>
Forgivness is between me and Odin.
(Source/God/Creator/Odin – whatever, take your pick)
The act is current and ongoing,
— since long ago —
so, the self–defense is mine.
The vengeance, on the other hand,
is someone elses.
That, is for another time.
They gave me their poison in portions – Big mistake!
…and they never should've put Milton in the basement.