Tian Ji's Horse Racing｜田忌赛马

出自｜史记·孙子吴起列传 During the Warring States period there was a general in the state of Qi named Tian Ji He had a hobby horse racing Every time he raced he bet a fortune But every time he lost everything His opponent was King Wei of Qi The ruler of the state Tian Ji's horses were divided into three classes upper middle and lower King Wei's horses were also divided into three classes upper middle and lower But in the same class Tian Ji's horses were always a little slower In the first race Tian Ji sent his upper-class horse against the king's upper-class horse He lost In the second race middle-class against middle-class He lost again In the third race lower-class against lower-class He still lost Three to zero Tian Ji lost everything He walked out of the arena with his head down Behind him came the king's triumphant laughter Tian Ji had a good friend named Sun Bin A famous military strategist He had watched the entire race He walked up to Tian Ji and said General in the next race do you dare to bet a fortune again Tian Ji smiled bitterly and said I'm about to go bankrupt from losing Sun Bin smiled slightly I have a plan that guarantees your victory Tian Ji was half convinced But he still bet his entire fortune On the day of the race the crowd filled the arena Everyone thought Tian Ji was sure to lose this time The first round began Tian Ji sent out his lower-class horse King Wei smiled with disdain and sent out his upper-class horse The result was no surprise Tian Ji lost The crowd laughed at him Wasn't this just asking for death But on Sun Bin's face there was not a trace of panic In the second round Tian Ji sent out his upper-class horse King Wei sent out his middle-class horse Tian Ji's upper-class horse shot forward like an arrow He won The crowd began to stir The third round the deciding round Tian Ji sent out his middle-class horse King Wei sent out his lower-class horse Tian Ji's horse crossed the finish line first again Two to one Tian Ji won The whole arena was in an uproar King Wei stared with wide eyes He couldn't believe he had lost Tian Ji excitedly grasped Sun Bin's hand Asking him how he came up with this plan Sun Bin said calmly Your horses though a little slower in each class But your upper-class horse is faster than his middle-class horse Your middle-class horse is faster than his lower-class horse As long as you change the order Lose one race and you can win two King Wei listened and was filled with admiration He was not angry at all Instead he appointed Sun Bin as the military advisor of Qi This story tells us Sometimes losing is not because you lack strength But because your method is wrong Know yourself and your opponent play to your strengths and avoid your weaknesses Only then can you remain undefeated in competition前往小宇宙评论区与主播互动