What happens to soldiers when they are in desperate straits, according to Sun Tzu?
Explanation
This question explores the psychological principle of 'desperate ground'. Sun Tzu teaches that by placing soldiers in a situation where they must fight to survive, a general can unlock their greatest potential, as the fear of certain death if they don't fight overcomes their fear of battle.
Other questions
According to Sun Tzu, which of the following defines 'dispersive ground'?
What does Tu Mu's commentary suggest a general should do upon entering 'facile ground'?
Which type of ground is described as being a 'key to three contiguous states,' where the one who occupies it first has the most power?
What is the recommended action on 'hemmed-in ground'?
Which historical figure is cited as an example of using a stratagem on hemmed-in ground, by using 2000 oxen with burning twigs on their horns to escape the dictator Fabius?
What defines 'desperate ground'?
What is the recommended tactic on 'open ground'?
According to Sun Tzu, how did skillful leaders of old handle an enemy's army to gain an advantage?
What is the recommended response to an enemy who is in orderly array and about to attack?
The text states 'Rapidity is the essence of war.' Which historical general is cited as having achieved 'miraculous rapidity' by reaching Hsin-ch'eng in just eight days?
What principle is illustrated by the story of General Wang Chien, who, after invading the Ch'u state, waited for his soldiers to amuse themselves with weight putting and long-jumping before attacking?
What does Sun Tzu advise regarding the taking of omens and superstitious doubts?
What is the primary lesson to be learned from the SHUAI-JAN, the snake that attacks with its head and tail simultaneously?
How does Sun Tzu suggest a general should make the best use of both strong and weak troops?
What is Sun Tzu's advice on sharing plans with soldiers?
What action does the leader of an army take at the critical moment, which is likened to one who has 'climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him'?
According to the general principle of invading hostile territory, what is the effect of penetrating deeply versus penetrating only a short way?
What is the recommended tactic on 'dispersive ground' to achieve unity of purpose?
On which type of ground would a general 'block any way of retreat'?
What is the soldier's disposition when surrounded, according to Sun Tzu?
Sun Tzu states that you should not enter into alliances with neighboring princes until what condition is met?
What does a warlike prince do to prevent the concentration of a powerful state's forces when he attacks them?
What is meant by the advice to 'bestow rewards without regard to rule' and 'issue orders without regard to previous arrangements'?
How should a general communicate the state of affairs to his soldiers?
The phrase 'Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety' was used by which general to explain his victory?
What is the meaning of gaining success by 'carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose'?
What is the purpose of blocking frontier passes and destroying official tallies on the day you take up command?
What is meant by the advice to be 'stern in the council-chamber'?
How should a general behave initially in a campaign, and how should they act once the enemy gives an opening?
What tactical advice is given for operating on 'serious ground'?
The example of Lu Kuang's expedition against Liang Hsi, where seizing the Kao-wu or I-wu pass was advised, illustrates which type of ground?
What is the consequence of soldiers weeping on the day they are ordered to battle?
What is the purpose of tethering horses and burying chariot wheels in the ground?
What is the 'business of a general,' according to Sun Tzu?
What kind of ground is described as 'separated from home by an interjacent state' and is not one of the main nine situations?
On 'contentious ground,' what is the recommended action if the enemy has already secured the position?
What is the reason given for why soldiers, who have a natural inclination for wealth and long life, would sacrifice both in battle?
How many varieties of ground does Sun Tzu recognize in the main list in Chapter 12?
The skillful general is said to conduct his army 'as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.' What does this simile illustrate?
What is the key difference between 'difficult ground' and 'hemmed-in ground'?
On which ground is it recommended to 'consolidate my alliances'?
What does Ts'ao Kuei's exploit of seizing the Duke of Ch'i during a treaty ceremony exemplify?
What is the principle for managing an army that requires setting 'one standard of courage which all must reach'?
How does a general prevent the enemy from anticipating his purpose?
On which type of ground would a general see that there is 'close connection between all parts of my army'?
What is the tactical advice given for 'difficult ground'?
According to the commentary from Chang Yu, what is the purpose of a general keeping his own soldiers ignorant of his plans?
In the anecdote where Han Hsin explains his victory, his officers state that the Art of War tells them to have a hill on the right rear and a river on the left front. Where did this blended advice likely come from?
How many days did Han Hsin's division of 10,000 men fight with their backs to the River Ti before the 2000 horsemen made their move?