Use imagination when cornered
Sun Tzu (who wrote the world’s oldest military treatise) suggested putting yourself in a position when you must win or die.
This might include cutting off your own army’s escape when facing a superior force. Then the soldiers will fight to the death and obey every command…
The Japanese general, Shibata Katsuie, put this advice to good use at the siege of Chokoji Castle in 1570. An enemy army that outnumbered him 10 to one surrounded him and cut the castle’s adueduct.
The castle’s water supplies were running out.
Katsuie realised that he and his men could last only for a few more days. He assembled his samurai in the castle courtyard.
There, he took his spear and smashed the remaining water jars.
He shouted, “Sooner a quick death in battle than a slow death from thirst!”.
He then opened the gates and led an attack that routed the besiegers.
Source: The way of strategy by William A. Levinson
Thanks: Trisys
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