“All warfare is based on deception.

“Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. 20. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.

“Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder and crush him

“If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.

“If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.”

“Excerpt From The Art of War, Sun Tzu
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-art-of-war/id395534623?mt=11

“This material may be protected by copyright.”

Okay. It may be, but I doubt that it is. Whatevs, as the kids say.

I have a fairly decent stack of crappy old books on my iPad, and of course, I brought along a real book— Hard Times. Started reading the Intro— some litcrit’s evaluation of what Dicken’s Hard Times means— and decided to think it through myself.

Ah. I see we’ve lost another 20 minutes. F*&^ing Chicago. Who plans a conference for mid-February?

Check back soon! We’re not going anywhere any time soon.