Looking at the Enemy
A mental model emphasizing the distinction between perception (intuition) and sight (physical vision), the importance of peripheral vision, and the discipline of training to see things clearly without prejudice.
THE IDEA
LOOKING AT THE ENEMY
Look at the enemy as if you are looking through him without being too obvious about it. Perception and sight are two important principles in my strategy. Perception relies on intuition. This is developed through practice. Sight is based on the physical ability to use the eyes. Understand the difference and sameness of perception and sight. One must be prepared for the possibility of losing one’s sight in mortal combat.
Learn to see things far away and up close. This applies as well to the attitudes towards stance and positioning. Do not prejudge a view according to what you think things should appear to be, but instead look at all things equally and in this way you will be able to discern what can hurt you and what cannot.
Peripheral vision is of the utmost importance. It is a skill that is developed over a period of time in training. This is a stern discipline. It should be used in everyday life as well. I must insist upon training as the means of attaining excellence in the craft of the warrior. Steadfastness of purpose is above all the essential requirement for understanding yourself in relation to the Universe. If you lack this you will be easily led into false securities and will therefore become easy to defeat. Force yourself to develop the skills needed to be the warrior that you define yourself to be. Remember, as you submit to the “spirit of the thing,” that the “spirit of the thing” will submit itself to you.
When to use it
In martial arts combat, use peripheral vision to detect attacks from multiple opponents while maintaining focus on the primary threat.
In business strategy, look beyond surface-level data and market reports to perceive underlying trends and customer needs.
In a relationship, notice changes in tone or body language and ask about them instead of assuming what the other person feels.
In military tactics, use a broad field of view to anticipate enemy movements without fixating on a single point.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Negotiation
In a negotiation, attend to pauses, gestures, and changes in tone as well as the words being spoken. These observations can suggest questions to ask, but they do not reveal the other person’s intentions by themselves.
Sports
A basketball player uses peripheral vision to be aware of teammates and opponents without directly looking at them, enabling quick passes and defensive positioning. This skill is honed through deliberate practice.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you train yourself to use peripheral vision in everyday situations to improve your awareness?
In what ways do your prejudgments prevent you from seeing a situation as it truly is?
How do you balance the use of intuition (perception) and direct observation (sight) in your decision-making?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Musashis book of five rings the definitive interpretation of Miyamoto Musashis classic book of strategy (Kaufman, SteveMiyamoto, Musashi)