Opportunity and momentum

When the foolish defeat the wise, it is a deviation from the normal order; when the wise defeat the foolish, it is the inevitable result that accords with the normal order; when the wise confront the wise, victory or defeat depends on the grasp of timing. There are three dimensions to grasping timing: the first is events, the second is momentum, and the third is sentiment. If a turning point in events has already appeared but one cannot respond to it, this cannot be called wisdom; if a turning point in the balance of power is beginning to unfold but one cannot control it, this cannot be called worthiness; if a window at the psychological and emotional level has opened but one cannot act decisively, this cannot be called courage. One who is skilled in the use of troops will invariably rely on timing to establish victory. Modern Application:The previous chapter, “Careful Observation,” established the foundation of rules and discipline; this chapter deals with a problem that rules cannot solve automatically: in a confrontation between evenly matched sides, victory no......