Sun Tzu – The Art of War 8.3

There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must be not attacked, towns which must be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.

Sun Tzu’s Art of War is a timeless masterpiece that has been guiding military and strategic thinking for centuries. In chapter 8, he provides valuable insights into the tactical considerations that military leaders must keep in mind. One of the key points that he makes is that not all roads should be followed, and not all armies should be attacked.

In section 8.3, Sun Tzu advises military leaders that there are certain roads that should not be followed, and certain armies that should not be attacked. This is because these roads or armies may lead to dangerous and unfavorable positions that could prove fatal for the army. Instead, Sun Tzu advises that military leaders should carefully choose their battles and only engage in ones that are favorable to them.

Similarly, Sun Tzu advises that certain towns should be besieged, while certain positions should not be contested. This is because some towns may have valuable resources or strategic advantages that could prove useful to the army, while some positions may be too dangerous or difficult to hold. Military leaders must carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each position and determine the best course of action.

Furthermore, Sun Tzu also advises that there may be commands from the sovereign that must not be obeyed. This is because the sovereign may not have a clear understanding of the situation on the ground, and their commands may lead to unfavorable outcomes. Military leaders must use their own judgment and discretion to determine the best course of action, even if it goes against the wishes of the sovereign.

In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s advice in section 8.3 emphasizes the importance of careful consideration and strategic thinking when making military decisions. Military leaders must assess the situation on the ground and make decisions that are in the best interest of the army, even if it means going against the wishes of their superiors. By following these principles, military leaders can increase the likelihood of victory while minimizing the risks to their army.