This section from The Art of War stresses wise planners balance both benefits and risks to secure plans and resolve troubles. It lists three diplomatic tactics: pressure rivals with threats, burden them with chores, and lure them into action with tempting gains.
This passage warns against reckless forced marches: rushing ahead loses supplies, while full baggage slows troops. Longer rapid marches cause severe troop attrition. It stresses armies need supplies, plus knowing allies, terrain and guides for safe movement.
This section of The Art of War stresses knowing the exact time and battlefield to coordinate troops seamlessly. Without clear plans, army units cannot support each other. Skillful strategy can neutralize large enemy forces and seize victory regardless of their numerical strength.
This article explains Sun Tzu’s temple calculation principle: thorough pre-war planning secures victory. It contrasts Wu Zixu’s well-devised exhaustion strategy against Chu with Cao Jiu’s reckless, unplanned battle defeat, extending the wisdom to modern business and life decisions.
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.