Tian Ji's Horse Racing｜田忌赛马
6分钟
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6
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出自｜史记·孙子吴起列传
- During the Warring States period there was a general in the state of Qi named Tian Ji
- He had a hobby horse racing
- Every time he raced he bet a fortune
- But every time he lost everything
- His opponent was King Wei of Qi
- The ruler of the state
- Tian Ji's horses were divided into three classes upper middle and lower
- King Wei's horses were also divided into three classes upper middle and lower
- But in the same class Tian Ji's horses were always a little slower
- In the first race Tian Ji sent his upper-class horse against the king's upper-class horse
- He lost
- In the second race middle-class against middle-class
- He lost again
- In the third race lower-class against lower-class
- He still lost
- Three to zero Tian Ji lost everything
- He walked out of the arena with his head down
- Behind him came the king's triumphant laughter
- Tian Ji had a good friend named Sun Bin
- A famous military strategist
- He had watched the entire race
- He walked up to Tian Ji and said
- General in the next race do you dare to bet a fortune again
- Tian Ji smiled bitterly and said
- I'm about to go bankrupt from losing
- Sun Bin smiled slightly
- I have a plan that guarantees your victory
- Tian Ji was half convinced
- But he still bet his entire fortune
- On the day of the race the crowd filled the arena
- Everyone thought Tian Ji was sure to lose this time
- The first round began
- Tian Ji sent out his lower-class horse
- King Wei smiled with disdain and sent out his upper-class horse
- The result was no surprise Tian Ji lost
- The crowd laughed at him
- Wasn't this just asking for death
- But on Sun Bin's face there was not a trace of panic
- In the second round Tian Ji sent out his upper-class horse
- King Wei sent out his middle-class horse
- Tian Ji's upper-class horse shot forward like an arrow
- He won
- The crowd began to stir
- The third round the deciding round
- Tian Ji sent out his middle-class horse
- King Wei sent out his lower-class horse
- Tian Ji's horse crossed the finish line first again
- Two to one Tian Ji won
- The whole arena was in an uproar
- King Wei stared with wide eyes
- He couldn't believe he had lost
- Tian Ji excitedly grasped Sun Bin's hand
- Asking him how he came up with this plan
- Sun Bin said calmly
- Your horses though a little slower in each class
- But your upper-class horse is faster than his middle-class horse
- Your middle-class horse is faster than his lower-class horse
- As long as you change the order
- Lose one race and you can win two
- King Wei listened and was filled with admiration
- He was not angry at all
- Instead he appointed Sun Bin as the military advisor of Qi
- This story tells us
- Sometimes losing is not because you lack strength
- But because your method is wrong
- Know yourself and your opponent play to your strengths and avoid your weaknesses
- Only then can you remain undefeated in competition
