This article interprets Sun Tzu’s “war relies on deception” via Weber’s instrumental rationality. It contrasts his pragmatic trickery with moralistic warfare, citing historical battles to prove deception minimizes losses and secures survival.
This excerpt from The Art of War features Sun Tzu’s core viewpoint. He stresses war is crucial to a state, concerning people’s lives and national survival. Thus, leaders must deliberate thoroughly before waging any war.
Han Feizi’s Chapter 21.5 continues interpreting the Dao De Jing. It explores core lessons on desire, greed, and wise governance with historical analogies.
Han Feizi tells Duke Yu’s story: greedy for jade and horses, he ignored warnings and lost his state.