Sun Tzu – The Art of War 3.7

With his forces intact he will dispute the mastery of the Empire, and thus, without losing a man, his triumph will be complete. This is the method of attacking by stratagem.

Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is a classic treatise on military strategy that has influenced leaders and generals for centuries. In chapter three, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of avoiding lengthy campaigns and prolonged sieges. Instead, he suggests that the most effective way to conquer an enemy is through stratagem.

According to Sun Tzu, a skilled leader can subdue the enemy’s troops without fighting and capture their cities without laying siege to them. The key to success lies in attacking by stratagem. This means that a general must be able to outmaneuver the enemy, disrupting their plans and forcing them to surrender without the need for direct confrontation.

One of the main advantages of attacking by stratagem is that it allows a leader to keep their forces intact. When a general engages in prolonged campaigns or sieges, their troops become exhausted and their numbers dwindle. This can lead to a weakened army that is vulnerable to attack. However, by using stratagem, a leader can avoid such risks and achieve victory without losing a single man.

Sun Tzu also emphasizes that a successful general must be able to dispute the mastery of the Empire. This means that they must be able to challenge the enemy’s hold on their territory and gain control over it. By doing so, a leader can demonstrate their power and establish their authority over the conquered lands.

In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s advice on attacking by stratagem highlights the importance of outmaneuvering the enemy and avoiding prolonged campaigns and sieges. By using cunning tactics and keeping their forces intact, a leader can achieve complete triumph without losing a single man. This approach to warfare remains relevant today and has been applied in various military conflicts throughout history.