The Art of War by Sun Tzu

II Waging War

13 & 14 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, worn out 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.

Notes by Zephyrist:

We were talking about the proximity of an army which causes prices to go up and this in turn causes the people's substance to be drained away.

Sun Tzu is talking about basic economics, demand increases whilst supply stays the same so prices rise. Peasant incomes don't increase so 30% of their income just vanishes as it is used to pay for the price rise in food.

The second part is that a standing army will cause defence spending to rise to 40% of the government's revenue.

How applicable these figures are in today's economic climate is debatable and perhaps the figures Sun Tzu quotes are too vague to analyse

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

II Waging War

11. 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.

12. When their substance is drained away, the peasantry will be afflicted by heavy exactions.

Notes by Zephyrist:

The first one is quite simple, armies eat resources causing prices to rise generally ruining the country and impoverishing the people. In extreme this leads to starvation and desolation of the land.

Apparently, I had to look this up, exaction means a heavy an unjust demand. Basically the local populace aren't really obliged to support the army but end up doing so. As an extension to this the local populace will probably resent the army which as Sun Tzu has mentioned previously will lessen the chances of success.

To summarise Sun Tzu believes that large armies are to be used, not just hang around waiting for a battle.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

II Waging War

9. Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy. Thus the army will have food enough for its needs.

10. Poverty of the State exchequer causes an army to be maintained by contributions from a distance. Contributing to maintain at a distance causes the people to be impoverished.

Notes by Zephyrist:

The first paragraph simply states that bring important things like armour and weaponry from home but feed off the land. More basically only transport that which you cannot reliably get on or near the battlefield.

The second paragraph is a bit more cryptic. Sun Tzu may have been saying something simple, with money tax the people near the army to prevent the state exchequer and the people becoming impoverished. Alternatively, he may just be saying the greater the distance between the army and the home land the more impoverished the state will become, so only make war close to home.

As usual Sun Tzu is open to interpretation.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

II Waging War

7. It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.

8. The skilful soldier does not raise a second levy, neither are his supply wagons loaded more than twice.

Notes by Zephyrist:

In warfare evil men flourish. Evil flourishes in chaos and the general populace always suffer.Sun Tzu states that anyone that has seen the full horrors of war knows this truism.

In the second paragraph Sun Tzu goes back to labouring the same point in a different way. A good warrior only needs one levy of soldiers to win and only one set of supplies. Presumably because the good warrior has chosen his perfect moment with the perfect strategy to get it right first time and secure victory.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

II Waging War

5. Thus, though we have heard of stupid haste in war, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.

6. There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare.

Notes by Zephyrist:

Sun Tzu is basically saying making war is all about timing. Don't rush into things but then again don't wait around for ever. The key to winning a battle is picking that one perfect moment when everything is to your advantage.

Prolonged warfare drains the state leaving it impoverished. Although there is something to be said for having an enemy or having competition. An emery stimulates growth and innovation in order to be better than your enemy. So while physical battle my not be good in the long term, a mental battle can sharpen your resources and innovation.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

II Waging War

4. Now, when your weapons are dulled, your ardor dampened, 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 ensue.

Notes by Zephyrist:

Basically other people are watching how prepared you are for battle, if they sense weakness they will take advantage.

In business, the same happens, a company going through a rough time will often become the subject of a takeover bid.

Keep your strengths and reserves up and continue fighting.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

II Waging War

3. Again, If the campaign is protracted, the resources of the State will not be equal to the strain.

Notes by Zephyrist:

Sun Tzu feels this is so important that he emphasises it again. Long war bad, short war good.

Even in business the quick win is proffered over the long drawn out battle.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

II Waging War

2. When you engage in actual fighting, if victory is long in coming, then men's weapons will grow dull and their ardour will be damped. If you lay siege to a town, you will exhaust your strength.


Notes by Zephyrist:

A long entrenched battle such as Vietnam and Iraq will sap the armies strength, wear out weapons and become a trap. A quick battle is always best.

In the workplace, a constant battle against a foe will sap moral. 'Quick wins' are important to bolster the team and give it renewed energy and purpose.

A waiting game will only eat up resources, you need to move forward. In a battle on the high street between rival retailers you cannot wait for the enemy to run out of ideas, you have to have better ideas or you will be left behind. Inactivity can only use up resources and may lead to defeat.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

II Waging War

1. SunT zu said: 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 provision enough to carry them a thousand [miles], 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.

Notes by Zephyrist:

At today's prices this works out at $140,000 a day which even for a primitive army is below the actual cost. So the comparison doesn't hold true today.

Sun Tzu was actually reminding us that not only are there in the field costs but there are basic maintenance and administrative costs. These can be important as the fighting men themselves. Modern armies don't always remember this. They get the men in the field but try to skimp on equipment and maintenance.

The same could be said for a lot of companies, it is modern to cut back-office costs and cut down on expenses and entertaining. Sun Tzu sees this area of business just as important as the fighting front. Without support and investment in the support functions the fighting or customer facing units can not operate effectively.

For an HR Analogy, invest in your recruitment and HR you can get the right people for job. Streamline processes and red tape and the front line staff can concentrate on their job. For every amount of time you ask someone to fill a form in ask is it an effective use of their time, if it isn't loose the form.

Sun Tzu writes almost as if he is justifying to a minister or king how much an army costs. Perhaps a king has questioned why glue or armor repairs have cost so much. Sun Tzu has basically replied by saying if you want a 100,000 men on the field of battle this is how much it costs. I can spend less but I don't guarantee victory.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I Laying plans Summary

Notes by Zephyrist:

From Section 1 laying plans, we have learnt that the plan is everything. A good plan will go a long way along the road to victory, no planning will lead to failure.

“Failures don't plan to fail; they fail to plan”

-Harvey Mackay, US Columnist and businessman

Sun Tzu has talked us through the analysis of comparing rulers, generals and armies deciding who has the strength in one factor above the other.

All battles are built upon deception, you must convince the enemy you are weak when you are strong and strong when you are weak. Look for the points of weakness and exploit them in the enemy. For your points of weakness hide them and look weak where you are strong.

Plans should be divulged to as few people as possible, although false plans may be leaked to confuse the enemy.

Although Sun Tzu is talking about battles the reason he has been so popular through the ages is that his ideas can be applied to every day life. Even family holidays need planning with military precision.

Next week Section 2: Waging War

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I Laying plans contd...

25,26

These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.

Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere [before] the battle is fought. The general who looses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations [to] lead to victory, and few calculations to [lead] to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee [predict] who is likely to win or lose.

Notes by Zephyrist:

The first thing to notice about these last two paragraphs is that they are very poorly phrased. Above I have added the minimum of extra words to clarify small points but the entire second paragraph would be better written as:

"Now, the general who winds a battle makes many of the above considerations in his head before the battle is fought. The general who looses a battles gives little consideration to the above before a battle: How badly would a battle go with no consideration! It is by examining the amount of consideration given to the battle plan that I can predict who will win or lose."

In terms of interpreting meaning the first paragraph is simple, if the enemy knows your plan he can beat it. So best to keep it a secret and tell as few people as possible, after all you may have spies on your side.

As many typical posters in the UK during world war II said "Careless talk cost lives".

The final paragraph is basically where Sun Tzu says the outcome of the battle can by in large be predicted by looking at the plan. If the general has taken all of Sun Tzu's advice into consideration then victory is likely. If the plan is haphazard and doesn't consider all possibilities then defeat is likely. If there is no planning then although Sun Tzu leaves it up to the reader to decide it is obvious he believes that utter defeat or worse is likely.

That is the end of section I, next week a quick summary and then onto section II waging war.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I Laying plans contd...

23,24.

If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united separate them.

Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

Notes by Zephyrist:

These two really continue along the same theme of keeping the enemy unsettled. They are fairly self explanatory.

At points Sun Tzu goes into detail making his writing almost 'Warfare for Dummies' whilst at other times his teachings require a bit more thought. It is the detail together with the self exploration that has meant these are still standard studies for military men today.

The differing styles also suggest that it may have been written and adapted over the centuries by more than one man.

Next week the conclusion of Section I - Laying plans.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I Laying plans contd...

22. If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

Notes by Zephyrist:

This relates to emotion in battle. A general needs to use reason to fight his battles not emotion, Sun Tzu would seek to irritate an opponent to get a knee jerk reaction from them. A battle plan born out of emotion or irritation will be weaker than a plan which is logically planned.

If you make your army look weak then the enemy will not rigidly plan ever last skirmish which can make their plan weak and open to assault.

This point continues along the theme of keeping your enemy off balance and forcing them to make a mistake which you can then exploit.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I Laying plans contd...

21. If he is secure at all points be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength evade him.

Notes by Zephyrist:

This one is a bit cryptic. If the enemy has no points of weakness, in a sense offering no points of attack then the enemy has the advantage. You should be prepared for his attack and so your battle will be to defend. If in the attack the enemy will have superior strength then you must evade him until circumstances change in your favour.

In a more modern example consider a political debate. If your enemy debate has no weakness then he will attack yours, so be prepared to answer his attacks. If his debate is stronger than yours then it would be best to evade or avoid any debate or exchange of views. Again this evasion will need to continue until the field of battle changes in your favour.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I Laying plans contd...

20. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.

Notes by Zephyrist:

This one is another simple one, draw the enemy out by looking disorganised and weak, then kill them.

So imagine a battlefield, make it look like your army doesn't know what it is doing and the enemy will probe for weaknesses. When they commit their forces suddenly your army comes together and slices them to shreds.

For a business example think of two organisations competing for a tender. Spread information and make it look like your tender is going to be weak. Perhaps by leaking parts of your supposed tender. Then at the last minute bring out the actual tender and submit with maximum secrecy. This will mean that the other company may not have been as competitive knowing that you were no competition cutting costs and benefits to make their tender more profitable. Hopefully you have now submitted the better tender and through appearing to be disorganised have crushed the enemy.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I Laying plans contd...

18,19 All warfare is based on deception.

Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away we must make him believe we are near.

Notes by Zephyrist:

This is a variation of the key to winning a battle is 'the element of surprise'. Distract your enemy from seeing how you intend to attack and you can win because they will be unprepared.

Sun Tzu says that you must deceive the enemy into believing that you would not attack in that way. For the world war 2 d-day preparations the allies went to some lengths to persuade Hitler that they were going to attack across the straits of Dover in order to give the allies the elements of surprise on the beaches they actually attacked. The allies forced Hitler to keep his reserves farther back because he did not know where the allies were going to land which gave the allies more time to secure a beach head.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I Laying plans contd...

16,17 While heading the profit of my counsel, avail yourself also of any helpful circumstances over and beyond the ordinary rules.

According as circumstances are favourable, one should modify one's plan.

Notes by Zephyrist:

Sun Tzu recognises that these are not absolute rules and can only be used as guidelines or a philosophy. If there are circumstances which look favourable but our outside the scope of the guidance or contradictory then the possibilities should be explored.

Sun Tzu summarises by saying that circumstances will change and be more favourable than they were when you laid your original plan. If they do then don't be afraid to adapt and change your plan to take advantage. The art of war is to win without fighting, a perfect plan will make the battle redundant and therefore every opportunity should be made to hone the plan to perfection.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I Laying plans contd...

15. The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat:-- let such a one be dismissed.

Notes by Zephyrist:

Promote and keep good generals, dismiss bad ones.

Of course in modern business this doesn't always work, bad managers get promoted because they have a good CV and strong interview skills. The difference would be what their old colleagues and subordinates think of them. If we could talk to those people regarding references and that culture became normal then bad managers would not get promoted.

You can apply Sun Tzu's consideration to recruiting a manager, a general / manager is nothing without his army. You must have knowledge of both to pick the strong general / manager.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I Laying plans contd...

12,13,14. Therefore, in your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them [the five constant factors] be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise:

1. Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral law?
2. Which of the two generals has most ability?
3. With whom lie the advantages derived from heaven and earth?
4. On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced?
5. Which army is stronger?
6. On which side is discipline more highly trained?
7. In which army is there the great constancy both in reward and punishment?

By means of these seven considerations I can forecast victory and defeat.

Notes by Zephyrist:

At its simplest this can be a simple tick list, the winner of the battle will be the one with the most ticks.

To modernise the language a bit, sovereigns would now be the politicians or the decision makers and the generals would be the head of operations.The advantage of heaven and earth has decreased, now most battles in the office or out can be fought in all seasons at all times of day. Reward, punishment and discipline are just the same with salaries, reward packages, company rules and disciplinary offences.

If you consider each question in turn you can quickly decide who has the advantage, if in your favour you fight, if not you might want to try diplomacy or target your inadequacies.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I Laying plans contd...

11. These five heads [(1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline.] should be familiar to every general: he who knows them will be victorious; he who knows them not will fail.


Notes by Zephyrist:

Quite simply if you enter battle without considering the five constant factors you will loose.