Oi guys!!
man! firstly thanx to nimz..ur C&Hs arrived just in time... what with me reading so much 'serious philosophy'... i needed something to rein in m thoughts...and this was just the thing..i finished the Sunday book.... savin the other book to read between 'Seymour: An introduction' and the next book am gonna read (on Zen).....
okie..first on the agenda... is something which ive already talked over with nimish on one of our booze rounds.... its a simple enuf experiment..
1) take a guy (kari, wait..dont be in a hurry, read the rest of it) who u think u know well..really well....your 'best friend' would be an ideal labrat... (the best thing about this experiment, is that you dont need your friend to be present..in fact its rather important that he/she isnt with you)
2) try to have an imaginary conversation with him/her ( at this point i would like to implore you at this point, to do this entire experiment 'in your head' so as to avoid looking like a lunatic)...
typically, this would work best, when you need to ask your friend for advice or opinion....in my experience, ive been able to emulate 2 of my friends (who is anybody's guess) fairly well.... and the reason i can so confidently say that i was fairly successfull is that i have 'rerun' the conversation with the actual person..and it was 40% - 65% close to what i had in mind.... and this i would say is close enuff considering that various external factors as well as the ever prevalant 'butterfly effect'..
i needed to do this since on of the said 'subjects' is physically away while the other is 'away' for all practical purposes....his brain having degenrated beyond recognition and is now incapable of carrying out a decent conversational thread.
Second on the agenda, for today....is some random ( Hi rahul) thoughts on the need for a 'guru'... anyone interested???
Friday, February 27, 2004
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
The Art of War
According as circumstances are favorable, one should modify one's plans
you must be guided by the actions of the enemy in attempting to secure a favorable position in actual warfare." On the eve of the battle of Waterloo, Lord Uxbridge, commanding the cavalry, went to the Duke of Wellington in order to learn wha t his plans and calculations were for the morrow, because, as he explained, he might suddenly find himself Commander-in-chief and would be unable to frame new plans in a critical moment. The Duke listened quietly and then said: "Who will attack the fir st tomorrow -- I or Bonaparte?" "Bonaparte," replied Lord Uxbridge. "Well," continued the Duke, "Bonaparte has not given me any idea of his projects; and as my plans will depend upon his, how can you expect me to tell you what mine are?"
All warfare is based on deception.
Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near
If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.
If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.
If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.
He who wishes to fight must first count the cost
Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy. Thus the army will have food enough for its needs
Now in order to kill the enemy, our men must be roused to anger; that there may be advantage from defeating the enemy, they must have their rewards.
It is the rule in war:
a) If our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him
b) If five to one, to attack him; [Straightway, without waiting for any further advantage.]
c) If twice as numerous, to divide our army into two.
d) If equally matched, offer battle
e) If slightly inferior in numbers, can avoid the enemy
f) If quite unequal in every way, flee from him.
In respect of military method, we have, firstly, Measurement; secondly, Estimation of quantity; thirdly, Calculation; fourthly, Balancing of chances; fifthly, Victory
Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.
Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.
If the enemy is taking his ease, he can harass him
if well supplied with food, he can starve him out; if quietly encamped, he can force him to move.
Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.
The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points
For should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left. If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.
Though the enemy be stronger in numbers, we may prevent him from fighting. Scheme so as to discover his plans and the likelihood of their success
Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards.
So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak. [Like water, taking the line of least resistance.]
you must be guided by the actions of the enemy in attempting to secure a favorable position in actual warfare." On the eve of the battle of Waterloo, Lord Uxbridge, commanding the cavalry, went to the Duke of Wellington in order to learn wha t his plans and calculations were for the morrow, because, as he explained, he might suddenly find himself Commander-in-chief and would be unable to frame new plans in a critical moment. The Duke listened quietly and then said: "Who will attack the fir st tomorrow -- I or Bonaparte?" "Bonaparte," replied Lord Uxbridge. "Well," continued the Duke, "Bonaparte has not given me any idea of his projects; and as my plans will depend upon his, how can you expect me to tell you what mine are?"
All warfare is based on deception.
Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near
If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.
If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.
If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.
He who wishes to fight must first count the cost
Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy. Thus the army will have food enough for its needs
Now in order to kill the enemy, our men must be roused to anger; that there may be advantage from defeating the enemy, they must have their rewards.
It is the rule in war:
a) If our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him
b) If five to one, to attack him; [Straightway, without waiting for any further advantage.]
c) If twice as numerous, to divide our army into two.
d) If equally matched, offer battle
e) If slightly inferior in numbers, can avoid the enemy
f) If quite unequal in every way, flee from him.
In respect of military method, we have, firstly, Measurement; secondly, Estimation of quantity; thirdly, Calculation; fourthly, Balancing of chances; fifthly, Victory
Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.
Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.
If the enemy is taking his ease, he can harass him
if well supplied with food, he can starve him out; if quietly encamped, he can force him to move.
Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.
The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points
For should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left. If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.
Though the enemy be stronger in numbers, we may prevent him from fighting. Scheme so as to discover his plans and the likelihood of their success
Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards.
So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak. [Like water, taking the line of least resistance.]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)