Few texts in military history have endured with the same timeless relevance as Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War.” Within its pages lie profound insights into the nature of conflict and the strategies essential for victory. Let’s delve into some key excerpts from Waging War, the second chapter of this ancient masterpiece. Despite its age, this book continues to hold significant implications for modern warfare, keeping us connected to the strategic wisdom of the past.
The Cost of War: A Calculated Endeavor
In the operations of war, where there are in the field a thousand swift chariots, as many heavy chariots, and a hundred thousand mail-clad soldiers, with provisions enough to carry them a thousand li, the expenditure at home and at the front, including entertainment of guests, small items such as glue and paint, and sums spent on chariots and armor, will reach the total of a thousand ounces of silver per day. Such is the cost of raising an army of 100,000 men.
Sun Tzu’s meticulous assessment of the financial implications of warfare underscores the multifaceted nature of military operations. He doesn’t merely focus on the overt costs of weaponry and manpower. Still, he delves into the intricacies of logistical support, including provisions, transportation, and even daily expenses such as glue and paint. By quantifying the expenditure required to maintain a formidable army, Sun Tzu provides a sobering reminder of the economic realities that underpin military endeavors.
In examining the cost of raising an army of 100,000 men, Sun Tzu highlights the resources required to sustain such a force. From the maintenance of chariots and armor to the provision of daily essentials, every aspect of military operations demands a significant investment of silver. This detailed analysis serves as a strategic imperative for leaders to carefully consider the financial implications of warfare and allocate resources judiciously to ensure the sustainability of their military campaigns.
Moreover, Sun Tzu’s emphasis on the comprehensive nature of military expenditure extends beyond the battlefield to encompass the broader economic impact on the state. The financial strain imposed by prolonged conflict can have far-reaching consequences, affecting trade, taxation, and the nation’s overall prosperity. Thus, Sun Tzu’s insights underscore the importance of fiscal prudence and strategic foresight in warfare, inspiring leaders to proactively weigh the costs and benefits of military action.
The Perils of Prolonged Conflict
Sun Tzu’s warning against the perils of protracted warfare resonates with a timeless truth: prolonged engagements exact a heavy toll on human and material resources. He paints a vivid picture of the debilitating effects of extended combat, where the weariness of soldiers and the depletion of supplies undermine the efficacy of military operations. This sobering assessment serves as a cautionary tale for leaders embarking on military campaigns, urging them to consider the potential consequences of prolonged conflict on the state’s resources and strategic objectives, fostering a sense of caution and thoughtful planning.
Sun Tzu underscores the importance of swift and decisive action on the battlefield by highlighting the erosion of morale and the exhaustion of strength that accompanies prolonged warfare. He recognizes that victory is often contingent upon seizing opportunities and exploiting weaknesses in the enemy’s defenses. In doing so, Sun Tzu advocates for strategic agility and responsiveness, emphasizing the need for leaders to adapt their tactics to changing circumstances and avoid becoming mired in protracted battles with uncertain outcomes.
Furthermore, Sun Tzu’s warning against the emergence of opportunistic rivals in times of prolonged conflict underscores the strategic imperative for leaders to maintain a position of strength and vigilance. He warns that adversaries may seek to exploit perceived weaknesses and capitalize on the exhaustion of resources, posing a threat to the state’s security and stability. Thus, Sun Tzu’s insights underscore the importance of strategic vision and proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged warfare.
The Wisdom of Timely Action
When you engage in actual fighting, if victory is long in coming, then men’s weapons will grow dull and their ardor will be damped. If you lay siege to a town, you will exhaust your strength.
Again, if the campaign is protracted, the resources of the State will not be equal to the strain.
Now, when your weapons are dulled, your ardor damped, your strength exhausted and your treasure spent, other chieftains will spring up to take advantage of your extremity. Then no man, however wise, will be able to avert the consequences that must ensue.
Thus, though we have heard of stupid haste in war, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.
Sun Tzu’s advocacy for timely action in warfare reflects a nuanced understanding of the delicate balance between haste and deliberation on the battlefield. While impulsive decisions may be perceived as reckless, Sun Tzu argues that prolonged indecision can be equally detrimental to military success. By urging leaders to recognize the strategic importance of seizing opportunities and acting decisively, he emphasizes balancing speed with prudence in the pursuit of victory.
Sun Tzu’s emphasis on seizing opportunities without succumbing to impulsive folly underscores the strategic value of calculated risk-taking in warfare. He recognizes that hesitation in the face of opportunity can squander strategic advantages and allow the enemy to gain the upper hand. Therefore, Sun Tzu advocates for leaders to cultivate a strategic agility and responsiveness mindset, enabling them to capitalize on fleeting opportunities and outmaneuver their adversaries on the battlefield.
Moreover, Sun Tzu’s advocacy for timely action is rooted in a profound understanding of warfare’s dynamic nature. He recognizes that the battlefield’s fluidity demands adaptability and flexibility in strategy, as opportunities and threats can emerge suddenly and unexpectedly. By urging leaders to act decisively in response to changing circumstances, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strategic initiative and controlling the tempo of operations to achieve favorable outcomes.
The Art of Resource Management
It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on. The skillful soldier does not raise a second levy, neither are his supply-wagons loaded more than twice.
Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy. Thus the army will have food enough for its needs. Poverty of the State exchequer causes an army to be maintained by contributions from a distance. Contributing to maintain an army at a distance causes the people to be impoverished.
On the other hand, the proximity of an army causes prices to go up; and high prices cause the people’s substance to be drained away.
Central to Sun Tzu’s strategic doctrine is the efficient management of resources, essential for sustaining military campaigns and achieving strategic objectives. Sun Tzu emphasizes the judicious allocation of supplies, highlighting the importance of maximizing the effectiveness of available resources to ensure the army’s sustainability and operational readiness. By advocating for prudent resource management, Sun Tzu underscores the strategic imperative for leaders to prioritize the conservation and utilization of resources to support their military endeavors.
Sun Tzu’s emphasis on foraging on the enemy represents a pragmatic approach to logistics, whereby commanders leverage enemy territory and provisions to supplement their supplies. This strategic tactic alleviates the logistical burden on the army and weakens the enemy’s capacity to resist. By appropriating enemy resources, commanders can effectively multiply their capabilities, enhancing their operational flexibility and resilience on the battlefield.
Moreover, Sun Tzu’s advocacy for bringing war material from home underscores the importance of strategic foresight and preparation in military planning. By ensuring that essential supplies and equipment are readily available, commanders can mitigate the risks associated with logistical challenges and sustain their military operations effectively. This proactive approach to resource management reflects Sun Tzu’s emphasis on strategic readiness and preparedness as essential components of military success.
Leveraging Enemy Resources
When their substance is drained away, the peasantry will be afflicted by heavy exactions. With this loss of substance and exhaustion of strength, the homes of the people will be stripped bare, and three-tenths of their income will be dissipated; while government expenses for broken chariots, wornout horses, breast-plates and helmets, bows and arrows, spears and shields, protective mantles, draught-oxen and heavy wagons, will amount to four-tenths of its total revenue.
Hence a wise general makes a point of foraging on the enemy. One cartload of the enemy’s provisions is equivalent to twenty of one’s own, and likewise a single picul of his provender is equivalent to twenty from one’s own store.
Sun Tzu’s strategic brilliance shines through in his advocacy for foraging on the enemy, a tactic that embodies the essence of strategic ingenuity and resourcefulness. By appropriating enemy provisions and supplies, commanders can effectively augment their resources, enhancing their operational capabilities while weakening the enemy’s capacity to sustain resistance. This strategic approach not only alleviates logistical burdens but also deprives the adversary of vital assets, tilting the balance of power in favor of the aggressor.
The tactical significance of foraging on the enemy lies in its ability to amplify the strategic impact of military operations. By exploiting the vulnerabilities of the enemy’s supply lines and infrastructure, commanders can disrupt their logistical networks and undermine their ability to sustain prolonged resistance. This asymmetrical advantage allows the aggressor to dictate the terms of engagement, exerting pressure on the adversary and creating opportunities for decisive action on the battlefield.
Moreover, Sun Tzu’s advocacy for foraging on the enemy reflects a broader strategic principle of leveraging asymmetrical advantages to achieve strategic objectives. Commanders can capitalize on opportunities to exploit enemy weaknesses and outmaneuver their adversaries by adopting a proactive logistics and supply management approach. This strategic agility enables commanders to maintain the initiative and shape the course of military operations, ultimately increasing their chances of achieving victory in the face of adversity.
The Strategic Value of Anger and Reward
Now in order to kill the enemy, our men must be roused to anger; that there may be advantage from defeating the enemy, they must have their rewards.
Therefore in chariot fighting, when ten or more chariots have been taken, those should be rewarded who took the first. Our own flags should be substituted for those of the enemy, and the chariots mingled and used in conjunction with ours. The captured soldiers should be kindly treated and kept.
This is called, using the conquered foe to augment one’s own strength.
Sun Tzu delves into the intricacies of motivating soldiers on the battlefield, recognizing the pivotal role of emotions in driving combat effectiveness. He astutely observes that to unleash the full potential of their troops; commanders must tap into their emotions, particularly anger and the desire for reward. By rousing soldiers to righteous indignation against the enemy, commanders can instill a fervent determination to prevail, fueling their courage and resolve in the face of adversity.
Moreover, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of rewarding valor and initiative among soldiers, recognizing that tangible incentives reinforce positive behavior and foster a culture of excellence. By acknowledging and rewarding acts of bravery and ingenuity on the battlefield, commanders can inspire their troops to perform at their peak, maximizing their combat effectiveness and increasing the likelihood of victory.
Sun Tzu’s strategic insight into the psychological dynamics of warfare underscores the importance of understanding and leveraging soldiers’ motivations in combat. By harnessing the power of emotions such as anger and the desire for reward, commanders can cultivate a fighting spirit among their troops, instilling a sense of purpose and unity that transcends individual interests. This emotional resonance serves to forge a bond of camaraderie and loyalty within the ranks, bolstering morale and cohesion in the face of adversity.
The Triumph of Strategy over Prolonged Conflict
In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.
Sun Tzu’s wisdom culminates in a resounding call for victory as the paramount objective of warfare. He eschews the notion of prolonged campaigns in favor of decisive action to secure triumph. His assertion underscores the strategic imperative for leaders to prioritize the swift attainment of strategic objectives, avoiding the pitfalls of protracted engagements that risk attrition and resource depletion.
Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of a clear purpose and strategy in military operations by advocating for a strategic focus on achieving victory rather than pursuing lengthy campaigns. He recognizes that the ultimate measure of success in warfare lies in attaining strategic goals rather than prolonging conflict. This strategic clarity enables commanders to maintain a clear-eyed focus on the endgame, making informed decisions that maximize their chances of victory on the battlefield.
Moreover, Sun Tzu’s advocacy for decisive action reflects a keen understanding of the dynamics of power and the imperatives of strategic initiative in warfare. He recognizes that the strategic advantage lies with those who seize the initiative and dictate the terms of engagement rather than those who passively react to unfolding events. This proactive approach to warfare empowers commanders to shape the course of military operations, exploiting opportunities and outmaneuvering adversaries to achieve decisive outcomes.
The Leader’s Role in Shaping Destiny
Thus it may be known that the leader of armies is the arbiter of the people’s fate, the man on whom it depends whether the nation shall be in peace or in peril.
Sun Tzu’s profound conclusion underscores the pivotal role of the military leader as the arbiter of a nation’s fate, emphasizing the profound impact of leadership on warfare’s outcome. He highlights the immense responsibility of commanders, whose decisions and actions determine whether a nation thrives in peace or faces peril in conflict.
By recognizing the influence wielded by military leaders, Sun Tzu underscores the importance of strategic leadership in shaping history. He asserts that the fate of nations hinges upon the wisdom and foresight of their leaders, whose decisions can chart a path toward prosperity or plunge their people into turmoil. This sobering truth serves as a reminder of the weighty responsibilities entrusted to commanders, whose leadership can make the difference between victory and defeat on the battlefield.
Moreover, Sun Tzu’s emphasis on the military leader’s role as the judge of a nation’s destiny underscores the importance of strategic vision and decisive action in times of crisis. He recognizes that leaders must possess the courage and conviction to make difficult decisions and navigate the complexities of warfare with clarity and purpose. By embracing their role as stewards of their nation’s security, commanders can inspire confidence and unity among their troops, fostering a culture of excellence and resilience in the face of adversity.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, as encapsulated in “The Art of War,” Sun Tzu’s timeless wisdom offers profound insights into the complexities of warfare and strategic leadership. Sun Tzu illuminates the strategic imperatives underpinning successful military campaigns by meticulously examining military principles and psychological dynamics. From the prudent management of resources to the artful manipulation of emotions, his teachings resonate with enduring relevance in modern warfare.
By delving into key excerpts from the chapter “Waging War” in Sun Tzu’s masterpiece, we have gained a deeper understanding of the strategic considerations that govern military decision-making. From the cost of war and the perils of prolonged conflict to the imperative of timely action and the role of leadership in shaping destiny, Sun Tzu’s teachings offer invaluable lessons for leaders and strategists across diverse domains.
Ultimately, Sun Tzu’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of strategic insight and tactical understanding. As we navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape, the principles espoused in “The Art of War” continue to serve as a guiding light for those tasked with confronting the challenges of warfare and leadership. By embracing Sun Tzu’s teachings, we can aspire to navigate the tumultuous currents of conflict with wisdom, foresight, and resolve, thereby shaping the course of history with strategic brilliance and decisive action.
This article is a part of my chapter-by-chapter breakdown of The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Check out the first chapter on Laying Plans. The next part of the series is Chapter 3: Attack by Stratagem.