11.42

Chapter: The Nine Situations 11.42
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Translation:

When invading hostile territory, the general principle is, that penetrating deeply brings cohesion; penetrating but a short way means dispersion.

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Commentary

A short distance into enemy territory is ‘facile ground’.

When deep into their territory, the threat all around pushes troops together and makes them more of a common mind.

Closer to home, there may be different thoughts about what strategy should be, including going back home.