11.39

Chapter: The Nine Situations

11.39

Translation:

He burns his boats and breaks his cooking-pots; like a shepherd driving a flock of sheep, he drives his men this way and that, and nothing knows whither he is going.

Commentary

Burning boats and bridges also removes the option to return. The notion of breaking cooking pots is that the only way to get food is to defeat the enemy and take theirs.

There is much about drive, keeping the energy up and ready for battle. As in other moves, sustaining confusion in this will keep the enemy uncertain and allow you to strike best at weakness.