The Five Elements
| The Five Elements | |
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Contents
Description
"There should be harmony in all that is different."
A man who understands the world around him is aware of all possibilities in that world. A general who understands the five elements and can apply his understanding will be able to exercise a more effective control over his underlings. He will grasp the essentials in any battle situation. He can apply his knowledge of the world quickly and comprehensively, making him a more effective leader.
Unlike the Greek and European conceit of there being four elements of Air, Earth, Fire, and Water, the Chinese and Japanese added a fifth: the Void. Together, these were the basic building blocks of the universe. Everything was made up of one or more of these elements, and by considering them and their manifestations and effects, any intelligent person would be able to comprehend the world. This idea was also applied to more abstract concepts too, such as swordsmanship, most famously by Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), the sword-saint. His Book of Five Rings is divided into chapters for the five elements, and sought to link the philosophical to the practical matter of duelling. His book is still considered extremely useful reading, even for those whose only weapon is a corporate financial spreadsheet!
Requires
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Enables
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