The Hunted



The hunter can make many mistakes, the hunted, only one.
Native American Maxim

Most criminals are predators. They “hunt” for the weak, the unaware, and the unprepared. They can afford to make some mistakes and still survive to “hunt” another day. It may take several “hunts” for the criminal to bag his prey, but he learns from his mistakes and continues to hunt, perfecting his skills as a predator.

The “hunted” on the other hand, cannot afford to make a mistake. He may not get a chance to learn from his mistake. The “hunted” has to remain alert at all times, being aware of his surroundings, constantly watching for the predators who seek to prey on him. One mistake may cost him his life. Taking the day off and relaxing could be a very costly mistake – one that he may never recover from.

Remember this: whoever lives a life of chance
will in the end find himself a victim of chance.
Francesco Guicciardini

This fact actually makes it more important for the warrior to have sharp self-defense skills. You don’t have the luxury of learning from your mistakes on the street. Those mistakes could be a permanent lesson. The warrior has to be ready for the attack. Even if the predator makes a mistake and fails in his quest, he can still do some serious damage to his prey, if his prey is unprepared. Many attacks can leave permanent damage without being fatal.

Don’t rely completely on any other human being, however dear.
We meet all life’s greatest tests alone.
Agnes Macphail

More satisfying far, that many depend upon you,
than that you depend upon anybody.
Baltasar Gracian

Trust God, but tie up your camel.
Hadith

The warrior has to be alert and aware of his surroundings at all times. He cannot afford to let down his guard. Why does the warrior need to be alert and aware at all times? The answer is because the hunter can make many mistakes, the hunted, only one. Will you be ready when you cross paths with the hunter?

I am the maker of my own fortune.
Tecumseh

(Reprinted from Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior)

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom