Understanding the terrain is key to victory from "summary" of Mastering the Art of War by Liang Zhuge,Ji Liu
To achieve victory in battle, one must first understand the terrain on which the conflict will take place. The terrain is like the foundation upon which the entire military operation rests. It is the stage upon which the drama of war will unfold. Without a thorough understanding of the terrain, the general is like a blind man in a dark room – unable to see the obstacles and opportunities that lie before him. The terrain can have a significant impact on the outcome of a battle. It can provide advantages to one side while presenting challenges to the other. A wise general must carefully study the lay of the land, taking note of its features and considering how they might influence the course of the conflict. Is the terrain rugged and mountainous, or flat and open? Are there rivers or forests that could impede movement? Is there high ground that could be used to strategic advantage? By understanding the terrain, the general can make informed decisions about how to deploy his forces. He can choose the best positions for his troops, taking advantage of natural obstacles for defense or using high ground to launch attacks. He can also anticipate the movements of the enemy, predicting where they are likely to advance or retreat based on the terrain. In this way, the general who understands the terrain has a significant advantage over his opponent. He can adapt his strategy to take advantage of the terrain's features, turning potential obstacles into opportunities for victory. By carefully studying the lay of the land and using it to his advantage, the general can increase his chances of success on the battlefield. Thus, understanding the terrain is not just an important factor in achieving victory – it is the key to victory itself. A general who neglects this crucial aspect of warfare is setting himself up for failure. Only by mastering the art of terrain analysis can a general hope to emerge victorious in the face of adversity.
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