In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.
Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military strategist and philosopher, wrote extensively on the art of war and its many facets. One of his key principles, which he emphasized repeatedly throughout his writings, is the importance of achieving victory quickly and efficiently. In Chapter 2 of “The Art of War,” Sun Tzu highlights the dangers of prolonged warfare, noting that it can lead to exhaustion of resources, loss of public support, and the rise of opportunistic adversaries.
In verse 19 of Chapter 2, Sun Tzu states: “In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.” This principle reflects the idea that the ultimate goal of any military engagement should be to achieve a decisive outcome as quickly as possible. Sun Tzu recognized that long, drawn-out campaigns could be costly and draining for both the soldiers and the society supporting them, and that prolonged warfare could sap the morale and resources of even the strongest military forces.
To achieve victory quickly, Sun Tzu believed that it was essential to strike at the enemy’s weaknesses and to avoid direct confrontation whenever possible. He emphasized the importance of deception, surprise attacks, and unconventional tactics that would catch the enemy off-guard and disrupt their plans. Sun Tzu also stressed the importance of careful planning, meticulous preparation, and effective communication between different units of the military.
While some modern military theorists have criticized Sun Tzu’s emphasis on avoiding direct confrontation, his ideas remain influential in military strategy and have been adapted and applied in many different contexts. Sun Tzu’s emphasis on the importance of victory over prolonged campaigns highlights the need for clear goals, focused strategies, and effective execution in all areas of military engagement.
In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s principle in verse 19 of Chapter 2 emphasizes the importance of achieving victory quickly and efficiently in war. By focusing on decisive outcomes and avoiding prolonged campaigns, military leaders can conserve resources, maintain public support, and prevent the emergence of new adversaries. As such, Sun Tzu’s teachings remain relevant and valuable for military strategists and leaders today.
Geoff Willis is an accomplished restaurateur and chef with over two decades in the culinary world, blending his passion for gastronomy with an extensive study of philosophy. Known for his innovative approach to cooking and deep commitment to sustainable practices, Geoff combines the art of flavors with philosophical insights, offering readers a unique perspective on food and life.