Sun Tzu – The Art of War 4.20

The onrush of a conquering force is like the bursting of pent-up waters into a chasm a thousand fathoms deep.

Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is a renowned military strategy book that has been used as a guide for both military and non-military purposes. In chapter four, Sun Tzu discusses the concept of measuring and estimating the quantity, calculating, balancing chances, and ultimately achieving victory. In section 4.20, he uses a powerful metaphor to describe the force and momentum of a victorious army.

Sun Tzu states that the onrush of a conquering force is like the bursting of pent-up waters into a chasm a thousand fathoms deep. This metaphor is a powerful description of the force and momentum of a victorious army. When an army is victorious, it gains an enormous amount of momentum and energy, which it can use to conquer even more territory.

The image of water bursting into a chasm is particularly apt, as it illustrates the force of an army breaking through the barriers of its enemies. Like a body of water, an army gains power as it moves forward, and can become unstoppable in its progress. This metaphor also suggests the suddenness and force of a victorious army’s movements, which can be overwhelming and devastating to an opponent.

Sun Tzu’s metaphor underscores the importance of momentum and energy in warfare. He suggests that a conquering army should move quickly and decisively to maintain its momentum, rather than allowing the enemy time to regroup and counterattack. By doing so, a victorious army can continue to build its strength and achieve even greater success.

Overall, Sun Tzu’s metaphor in section 4.20 emphasizes the importance of momentum and energy in warfare. The onrush of a conquering force can be an unstoppable and overwhelming force, akin to the bursting of pent-up waters into a deep chasm. Understanding the importance of momentum and knowing how to maintain it can be the key to achieving victory in battle.