Sun Tzu – The Art of War 9.3

After crossing a river, you should get far away from it.

Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is a profound guide to strategy, encompassing military, business, and life principles. In Chapter 9, Sun Tzu imparts his wisdom on the strategic significance of river crossings. In this blog post, we delve into the meaning and broader implications of Sun Tzu’s advice: “After crossing a river, you should get far away from it.”

Understanding the Passage

In the passage “After crossing a river, you should get far away from it,” Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of strategic maneuvering after successfully crossing a river. Let’s explore the key elements of this advice:

1. Crossing a River: The act of crossing a river in warfare is often a challenging and perilous endeavor. It requires careful planning, coordination, and execution to ensure the safety of the army.
2. Get Far Away: Once the river has been crossed, Sun Tzu advises moving swiftly and putting distance between the army and the river. This implies that lingering near the riverbanks is unwise.

Relevance in Military Context

In military strategy, Sun Tzu’s counsel on river crossings carries critical significance:

1. Avoiding Pursuit: After successfully crossing a river, putting distance between the army and the riverbanks can help evade pursuit by the enemy. This strategic movement prevents the enemy from trapping or ambushing the army near the river.
2. Logistics and Supplies: Relocating away from the river may provide access to better logistical support, including fresh water, food sources, and shelter. It can also reduce the risk of contamination of water sources by enemy forces.
3. Strategic Depth: By moving farther inland, an army gains strategic depth, making it more challenging for the enemy to predict or control the army’s movements. This enhances the army’s flexibility and ability to respond to changing circumstances.

Relevance in Everyday Life

While Sun Tzu’s guidance primarily addresses military campaigns, its principles are adaptable to everyday life:

1. Strategic Retreat: In personal and professional life, knowing when to strategically retreat or step back from a situation can prevent unnecessary conflicts or setbacks. It allows for regrouping and better decision-making.
2. Avoiding Stagnation: Getting far away from a problem or a past mistake can be crucial for personal growth and innovation. Moving forward often means leaving behind unproductive habits or situations.
3. Resource Optimization: Relocating resources, whether physical or metaphorical, can lead to increased efficiency. It’s about recognizing when it’s time to reallocate resources to more promising endeavors.

Conclusion

Sun Tzu’s advice on river crossings, urging one to move far away after crossing, illustrates the importance of strategic mobility and adaptability. This principle underscores the significance of avoiding complacency, staying ahead of potential threats, and making the most of available resources. Whether in the context of warfare, business, or personal life, Sun Tzu’s wisdom continues to offer valuable insights into effective strategy and decision-making.