I was recently reminded of a warrior’s concept known as “The Enemy Doesn’t Care.” I think most people understand that while some people live by codes of conduct and like to think that other people will be considerate and use integrity in their actions, I also think most people understand that in war, that may not happen. When the rules are to kill or be killed, many times etiquette goes out the window. You must assume that your enemy doesn’t care at all about doing the “right” thing, but is intent solely on your destruction.  
 
This warrior’s wisdom is based on the premise that no matter what the enemy does, it is never wrong. Whether the attack is a verbal assault, or a knife attack to the ribs, it makes no difference – it just is. The civilian meets resistance with anger and gets upset. He curses his opponents and whines about unreasonable behavior. The warrior accepts whatever attack happens to come his way and responds with grace and a presence. (Shibumi) A warrior’s job is not to understand or judge an attacker’s behavior, but to respond with creativity and a quality response. In the real world, problems present themselves to you not for you to judge them, but for you to find a solution. Engage the enemy as you find him, not as you wish him to be.
 
I saw this strategy recently in an article by Jay Abraham when he talked about advertising. He stated, “Your opinion doesn’t matter.” Take for example, an ad that you design for your business. It has a good headline, a great picture and a powerful call to action. And yet when you run it , you get no response. Another ad you run you don’t like as well, but the phone rings off the hook. I think it is evident that your opinion is of little consequence, it is the market place in this example that counts.
 
This is sometimes seen in self defense as well, when a partner doesn’t do what is expected and you end up getting hit. It doesn’t matter what the opponent is supposed to do, or what is the best thing the enemy should have done, what matters is what they do.  
 
Seeing things as they really are is a skill that takes years to master. To be able to see behind the curtain and know the hidden agenda is a powerful skill and absolutely necessary for the modern warrior. Like Sun Tzu stated in his classic work, “The Art of War”, If you know yourself, then you will win 50% of your battles. If you know your enemy, you will win 50%. But to know yourself, and your opponent, you are assured victory.”

Respectfully,
Terry L. Bryan, Hanshi