“Be extremely subtle even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent’s fate.”
“He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.”
“Appear weak when you are strong.”
“If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.”
“Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment — that which they cannot anticipate.”
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity”
“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
“All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”
So, after watching Eko execute another masterclass in strategic deception in order to rough up his little sister, it seems there are only two options.
Either Sun Tzu’s dogs are the true authors of his work, or Eko has read The Art of War. I look forward to sharing this earth-shattering revelation on a History Channel special and then have that guy with the crazy hair explain how aliens are involved.
I bet he read it :o)… and maybe Penny read some Macchiavelli, then you can sell your tv… you always will have the bestest entertainment in your house :o) the crazy hair guy rocks… whatever he says, it’s always a true story :o)
Animals have it figured out. Penny and Eko are naturals at combat and surrender with dignity! We humans just have to put words to it for it to be a ‘thing.’ 🙂
Very, very clever post!
Maybe you can have the WV monster hunters (from the show Mountain Monsters) narrate – that would surely be more melodramatic and wild! And they would build a trap – don’t they always? Oh….my poor WV reputation!
OK This is your funniest blog yet! Brilliant!
RRs can read Chinese? I’m impressed.
Brilliant Will. Absolutely brilliant.
I see these battles every Saturday morning in the middle of my bed. Fortunately I’m not trying to sleep at that point, but instead reading on my iPad. You capture the war very well. Sun Tsu would be pleased.
ha-ha awesome – great shots and to the letter of the book. Well done Eko!
BEST.POST.EVER…LOL
Oh, P. The book says “appear weak” not appear deranged and demented! You kids crack me up!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
So with all this going on in the house, does the furniture get pushed around or knocked over at times?
Just last week I saw “The Art of War” on the discount table at my local book shop. If I’d realised it was actually a dog psychology text I might have bought it! Our dog battles are more along the lines of a fake Confucius quote, “Young dog must approach old dog with caution in order not to provoke her to attack”.
A wise dog that Eko….
It’s “all go” at your house with those two! Love the photos – you capture the BEST expressions on their super expressive faces and those mouths – wow! They sure have fun and I think the photographer does too – right?
Pam
Both your pups seem to be strategy masters!
hahaha great quotes and pictures, just perfect