Shadows of the Setting Sun – “The shadows of the setting sun hold secrets and silence. Use the cloak of ambiguity to mask your true intentions.”
The “Shadows of the Setting Sun” metaphor signifies the idea of concealment and strategic ambiguity. Just as the setting sun casts long shadows, masking the true nature of the landscape, this principle suggests using ambiguity to hide one’s real intentions. The setting sun here represents the culmination of a phase, and its shadows symbolize the uncertainties or hidden aspects that can be used strategically to one’s advantage.
Applying the Principle to Political Power
In political power, the “Shadows of the Setting Sun” principle can be applied to situations where leaders use the element of surprise or ambiguity in their strategies. Politicians may choose to keep their true intentions or plans hidden under a veil of uncertainty, only to reveal them at the right moment. This could be a strategy to pass a contentious policy, negotiate a difficult treaty, or navigate a complex political scenario. The principle suggests that ambiguity and concealment can be powerful tools in politics when used wisely.
Historical Example
The Battle of Cannae in 216 BC during the Second Punic War offers a compelling example of the “Shadows of the Setting Sun” principle. Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, was facing a massive Roman army almost twice the size of his own. He understood the power of ambiguity and used it to his advantage in what would become one of the most famous tactical feats in military history.
Hannibal arranged his troops in a crescent formation, with his weaker forces in the center and his stronger forces on the flanks. As the Roman forces pressed against his center, Hannibal slowly retreated, creating a pocket that drew the Romans in deeper. The Romans, seeing the Carthaginian center give way, believed they were winning and rushed in, unaware of the trap being laid.
As the day wore on and shadows lengthened, Hannibal executed his masterstroke. He ordered his stronger troops on the flanks to turn and encircle the Roman forces, who were now overextended and disorganized. Trapped and surrounded, the Roman army was decimated. This historic battle demonstrates how the strategic use of ambiguity, like the shadows of the setting sun, can dramatically turn the tide in warfare. The victory at Cannae underscores that hidden intentions, when revealed at the right time, can have a decisive impact.
[Black Watch | Scrolls of Shunya | Scroll of the Infernal Dawn]
Last Modified: 08/05/2023