19
Pull brushwood out from under the boiler.
Interpretation:
It is better to gradually weaken the support,
Without resorting to open opposition.
Water boils under the force of fire. The power of the fire is so great that you cannot touch it. Brushwood is the support from which fire takes its strength and heat. But the brushwood itself can be picked up without harm, thereby weakening the fire and depriving it of its original strength.
“My people cannot be afraid of two things at the same time.
Sometimes they are afraid of me and laugh at the enemy.
Sometimes they are afraid of the enemy and laugh at me.
The one who is laughed at will be defeated.
The one who is feared will win.
Therefore, a skilled commander knows how to instill fear.
If the officers are afraid of him, the soldiers will be afraid of the officers. To understand which of the two sides will win, you need to know who is feared and who is laughed at.”
(Martial Art of Wei Liao)
Without resorting to open opposition.
Water boils under the force of fire. The power of the fire is so great that you cannot touch it. Brushwood is the support from which fire takes its strength and heat. But the brushwood itself can be picked up without harm, thereby weakening the fire and depriving it of its original strength.
“My people cannot be afraid of two things at the same time.
Sometimes they are afraid of me and laugh at the enemy.
Sometimes they are afraid of the enemy and laugh at me.
The one who is laughed at will be defeated.
The one who is feared will win.
Therefore, a skilled commander knows how to instill fear.
If the officers are afraid of him, the soldiers will be afraid of the officers. To understand which of the two sides will win, you need to know who is feared and who is laughed at.”
(Martial Art of Wei Liao)
Historical example:
At the beginning of the Han Dynasty, enemy troops carried out a night raid on Wu Han's army. The soldiers, disturbed in the middle of the night, were confused. Only Wu Han continued to lie calmly on his bed. When his confused soldiers saw that their commander maintained his presence of mind, they were able to calm down. The warriors followed the example of the military leader and did not lose control of the situation. As a result, they were able to repel the unexpected attack.
Now Wu Han had not a minute to lose. That same night he ordered his best warriors to launch a retaliatory attack. By this he wanted to show the enemy that he was not afraid of his blows and was ready to respond to any provocation. Soon the enemy was put to flight.
The wise Wu Han understood that it was important not only to remain calm in difficult situations, but also to inspire his subordinates to take action. Therefore, he not only ordered them to go into battle, but also explained why this was necessary. He explained what benefits could be gained from victory, and what they risked if they were unable to complete their mission. Thus, Wu Han extinguished the flames of fear that gripped them and ignited the fire of fighting spirit.
Now Wu Han had not a minute to lose. That same night he ordered his best warriors to launch a retaliatory attack. By this he wanted to show the enemy that he was not afraid of his blows and was ready to respond to any provocation. Soon the enemy was put to flight.
The wise Wu Han understood that it was important not only to remain calm in difficult situations, but also to inspire his subordinates to take action. Therefore, he not only ordered them to go into battle, but also explained why this was necessary. He explained what benefits could be gained from victory, and what they risked if they were unable to complete their mission. Thus, Wu Han extinguished the flames of fear that gripped them and ignited the fire of fighting spirit.