Sun Tzu – The Art of War 5.15

Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.

Sun Tzu’s Art of War is a renowned military treatise that provides insights into the tactics and strategies necessary for success in warfare. In Chapter 5, Sun Tzu discusses the importance of energy and decision-making in battle. He makes an analogy to a crossbow, stating that energy can be compared to the bending of a crossbow. Just as energy is required to bend a crossbow, so too is energy required to prepare for battle. The army must be prepared and energized before engaging in battle.

Decision-making, on the other hand, is compared to the releasing of a trigger. Just as the release of a trigger unleashes the power of a crossbow, the right decision at the right time can unleash the power of an army. The good fighter, according to Sun Tzu, must be both terrible in their onset and prompt in their decision-making.

Sun Tzu’s analogy of the crossbow is significant because it emphasizes the importance of preparation and energy in warfare. Without proper preparation, the army will not have the energy necessary to engage in battle and emerge victorious. The analogy of the trigger emphasizes the importance of timing and decision-making. The right decision at the right time can have a significant impact on the outcome of a battle.

In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s analogy of the crossbow and the trigger provides a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation, energy, and decision-making in warfare. Just as a crossbow requires energy to be bent and a trigger to be released, an army requires energy to be prepared and the right decisions to be made at the right time. The good fighter must be able to balance both aspects to emerge victorious on the battlefield.