A whole army may be robbed of its spirit; a commander-in-chief may be robbed of his presence of mind.
Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of the morale of both the army and the commander-in-chief in 7.27. He acknowledges that a whole army can be robbed of its spirit, causing them to lose their will to fight and possibly leading to defeat. Similarly, a commander-in-chief can also lose their presence of mind, which can result in poor decision-making and ultimately, failure on the battlefield.
Therefore, it is crucial for a commander to maintain their composure and keep a clear head, even in the face of adversity. They must also take steps to ensure that their troops are motivated and in high spirits, whether through rewards, inspiring speeches, or other means.
Sun Tzu recognized that the morale of the army and the commander-in-chief are closely linked. A commander with high morale can inspire their troops to fight with greater courage and determination. On the other hand, a commander who appears to lack confidence or is hesitant can quickly demoralize their troops, making them more susceptible to defeat.
Overall, Sun Tzu believed that maintaining high morale was essential for victory in warfare, and it was the commander’s responsibility to ensure that their troops and themselves remained mentally and emotionally strong.
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.