The Fives are connected to the Hierophant, who teaches us how to gain control over a situation in which we seem to have lost all control. In the Five of Swords, a man collects swords won in a clash of ideas. In other words, he distills the lessons to be gleaned from it, and so he gains something whether or not he has won the battle itself.

 

When you lose an argument, you can still win if you examine the weaknesses that led you to failure. You win if you learn from the reasoning and tactics of your opponent. You win if you conclude you should prepare yourself better next time, or avoid a clash altogether.