Mr. Achievement - Stanley F. Bronstein - Personal Development BlogPersonal Development Blog of the Founder of the Achievement IQ Movement and Creator of the Laws of Positioning

CHAPTER 10 - Forms Of The Earth - Part 1 of 1

Form

Form - The shape of a thing or person.  Something that gives or determines shape; a mold.  A particular condition,character or more in which something appears.

Previous Posts On The Art of War

While each one of these posts is designed to be read separately and independently of each other, it would be useful if you read the previous posts on The Art of War, all of which can be found by clicking here, if you have not already done so.

More From Sun Tzu

The forms of the earth –

open, hung, stalled, narrow, steep and distant.

I am able to go.  He is able to come.  This is called “OPEN.”

I can go, but it is difficult to return.  This is called “HUNG.”

I emerge and it is NOT advantageous.  He emerges and it is NOT advantageous.  This is called “STALLED.”

As for the “NARROW” form, if I occupy it first I must fill it and await the enemy.  If the enemy occupies it first and fills it, do not pursue.  If he does NOT fill it, pursue.

As for the “STEEP” form, if I occupy it first, I must occupy the high and await the enemy.  If the enemy occupies it first, I lead the troops away.  Do NOT pursue.

As for the “DISTANT” form, since things are equal, it is difficult to provoke battle, thus to do battle is NOT advantageous.

What Do These Quotes Mean?

Sun Tzu envisioned that there were six forms - basically 6 situations one might face whenever they face an opponent.

They are:

1. Open
2. Hung
3. Stalled
4. Narrow
5. Steep
6. Distant

Each one is described above.  Once again, Sun Tzu in The Art of War emphasizes the value of appraisal / assessment.  IF YOU KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON, there is a better chance you can act accordingly.

For everyone who says The Art of War is outdated, THIS is where I disagree.  That is incredible advice.  IF YOU KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO; IF YOU PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IT GOING ON; you will know how to act.

To me, that applies just as much today, in countless ways; in countless situations, just as it did 2500 years ago.

More From Sun Tzu

Now forms of the earth are an assistance to the military.

Assess the enemy and determine victory.

Appraise the steep and level, the far and near.

This is a Tao of a SUPERIOR general.

One who knows these and employs battle is certainly victorious.

One who does NOT know these and employs battle is certainly defeated.

What This Says About Leadership

I’m going to put this in plain terms.  A leader who knows what is going on has a better chance of prevailing over a leader who doesn’t have a clue.

I don’t think I could put it any simpler than that.

THAT is what Sun Tzu in The Art of War was talking about.  IF you know what’s going on; and you pay attention to what’s going on; and you act in accordance with what is going on; YOU WILL PREVAIL.

Saving The Best For The Last

And so it is said –

Know the other and know oneself.

Then victory is NOT in danger.

Know earth and know heaven.

Then victory can be complete.

What Does Sun Tzu Mean Here?

FIrst of all, this is the quote for which Sun Tzu is most well known.

Know yourself and know others.

THAT IS WHAT The Art of War is ALL about.

It’s simple, if you know what’s going on, you’re about 95% ahead of the game because, face it, many others don’t have a clue as to what is going on.

Recommended Reading

Laws of Positioning #1 - Position Yourself To Be Alive (in this case, aware)

Laws of Positioning #14 - Position Yourself To Be Conscious

Laws of Positioning #28 - Position Yourself To Be Empathic

Laws of Positioning #55 - Position Yourself To Be Intelligent

Laws of Positioning #79 - Position Yourself To Be Prepared

Laws of Positioning #96 - Position Yourself To Be A Victorious Warrior

Tomorrow

Next, we will discuss The Nine Grounds, Chapter 11 in The Art of War.