Wise generals should forage supplies from the enemy to cut huge transport costs. Motivate troops with rewards to fight bravely. Reuse captured chariots and treat prisoners well to grow stronger after defeating foes.
Sun Tzu argues that one must recognize war’s harms to grasp its benefits. Wise generals source weapons at home and seize grain from enemies. Long-distance grain transport drains civilian and national resources severely in wartime.
Sun Tzu argues prolonged warfare wears down troops, drains national resources and invites rival invasions. He insists swift victory is always preferable, for no long war can ever bring lasting benefits to a state.
This opening part of The Art of War’s Chapter Two illustrates the huge daily costs of raising a large army. Sun Tzu reminds rulers and generals that warfare drains resources heavily, warning against prolonged military campaigns.
Sun Tzu puts forward five key elements to assess warfare: morality, heaven, earth, commandership and discipline. Leaders should compare both sides’ strengths based on these factors to fully analyze the real situation before battles.