Crossing at a Ford

“Crossing at a ford” is a principle that lies right at the heart of what strategy is all about: following the path of least resistance.

If you want a less zen way of putting it, then that’s simple: It’s about taking the easiest route to your goal. Just think about the example it’s named after.

When you’re wanting to cross a river, do you wade right through the deepest part, with the water high around your waist while you fight against the current? No. That’s a waste of effort.

What you naturally look for instead is a crossing point, like a ford, which is just a part of the river where the water is so shallow that it only licks the top of your boots.

Do you see the huge difference between those two approaches here? That’s the spirit of “crossing at a ford.”

Great, now you know how to cross rivers without getting soaked. The next step is to apply the principle to everything you do.

In general, that means achieving your goals exploiting pre-existing shortcuts that allow you to avoid difficulty or busyness almost entirely.

“Crossing at a ford” means, for example, crossing the sea at a strait, or crossing over a hundred miles of broad sea at a crossing place. I believe this “crossing at a ford” occurs often in man’s lifetime.

It means setting sail even though your friends stay in harbor, knowing the route, knowing the soundness of your ship and the favor of the day. When all the conditions are met, and there is perhaps a favorable wind, or a tailwind, then set sail. If the wind changes within a few miles of your destination, you must row across the remaining distance without sail.

If you attain this spirit, it applies to everyday life. You must always think of crossing at a ford.

In strategy also it is important to “cross at a ford.”

Discern the enemy’s capability and, knowing your own strong points, “cross the ford” at the advantageous place, as a good captain crosses a sea route. If you succeed in crossing at the best place, you may take your ease.

To cross at a ford means to attack the enemy’s weak point, and to put yourself in an advantageous position. This is how to win large−scale strategy.

The spirit of crossing at a ford is necessary in both large− and small−scale strategy.

You must research this well.

— Miyamoto Musashi