| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens: 'Tappertit is an earnest man,' said Lord George, thoughtfully.
'Eh, Gashford?'
'One of the foremost among them all, my lord. He snuffs the battle
from afar, like the war-horse. He throws his hat up in the street
as if he were inspired, and makes most stirring speeches from the
shoulders of his friends.'
'Make a note of Tappertit,' said Lord George Gordon. 'We may
advance him to a place of trust.'
'That,' rejoined the secretary, doing as he was told, 'is all--
except Mrs Varden's box (fourteenth time of opening), seven
shillings and sixpence in silver and copper, and half-a-guinea in
Barnaby Rudge |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Art of War by Sun Tzu: many strategical blunders which defeated their own purpose. And
in the end, relief came through the very man who started out with
the distinct resolve no longer to subordinate the interests of
the whole to sentiment in favor of a part. An old soldier of one
of our generals who failed most conspicuously in this war, tried
once, I remember, to defend him to me on the ground that he was
always "so good to his men." By this plea, had he but known it,
he was only condemning him out of Sun Tzu's mouth.]
13. These are the five besetting sins of a general, ruinous
to the conduct of war.
14. When an army is overthrown and its leader slain, the
The Art of War |
