Sun Tzu – The Art Of War 2.18

This is called, using the conquered foe to augment one’s own strength.

Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is a timeless classic on military strategy, which has been studied and applied in various fields beyond warfare. In chapter two, Sun Tzu explores the importance of managing resources and minimizing expenses during war. In particular, he emphasizes the strategic value of foraging on the enemy to reduce the burden on one’s own resources.

In verse 2.15, Sun Tzu explains that foraging on the enemy can be a more efficient means of acquiring resources than relying solely on one’s own supplies. He suggests that 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.

However, Sun Tzu also recognizes that war is not just about acquiring resources; it is also about defeating the enemy. In verse 2.16, he notes that in order to motivate soldiers to fight and be willing to risk their lives, they must be roused to anger and offered rewards. Therefore, in verse 2.17, he provides an example of how to combine these two concepts by using the conquered foe to augment one’s own strength.

Sun Tzu suggests that when ten or more chariots have been taken, those who took the first should be rewarded. The captured soldiers should also be kindly treated and kept. In addition, our own flags should be substituted for those of the enemy, and the chariots should be mingled and used in conjunction with ours. By doing so, we not only gain access to the enemy’s resources but also incorporate their weapons and soldiers into our own army, thereby increasing our strength.

This strategy of using the conquered foe to augment one’s own strength is not just limited to warfare. It can be applied to various areas of life, such as business, sports, and even personal relationships. For example, in business, one can acquire a competitor’s resources or talent through mergers and acquisitions or strategic partnerships. In sports, a team can acquire a rival player or coach to improve their own performance. In personal relationships, one can learn from and befriend those with different perspectives and experiences to enhance their own growth and understanding.

In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s advice on foraging on the enemy and using the conquered foe to augment one’s own strength is a valuable lesson in resource management and strategic thinking. By being resourceful and creative in our approach to challenges, we can not only reduce our own burden but also increase our own strength and opportunities for success.