Sun Tzu – The Art of War 8.14

When an army is overthrown and its leader slain, the cause will surely be found among these five dangerous faults. Let them be a subject of meditation.

Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military strategist, is widely considered to be one of the most influential military philosophers of all time. His book, “The Art of War,” contains timeless wisdom that can be applied not only in the context of war, but also in everyday life.

One of the key teachings of Sun Tzu is the importance of avoiding dangerous faults that can lead to defeat in battle. In chapter eight, he identifies five specific faults that can be ruinous to the conduct of war: recklessness, cowardice, a hasty temper, a delicacy of honor, and over-solicitude for one’s men.

Recklessness is the first dangerous fault that Sun Tzu warns against. A reckless general will make hasty decisions without considering the consequences, leading to defeat and destruction. In war, it is essential to be cautious and to carefully consider every move.

Cowardice is another dangerous fault. A general who is afraid to take risks or who lacks confidence in his troops will be unable to achieve victory. In war, courage and confidence are essential qualities for leaders to possess.

A hasty temper is the third fault that Sun Tzu identifies. A general who is easily provoked by insults or who makes decisions based on emotion rather than reason will make mistakes that can be costly. In war, it is important to remain calm and level-headed in the face of adversity.

The fourth fault is a delicacy of honor that is sensitive to shame. A general who is overly concerned with his reputation or who is easily embarrassed will make decisions based on pride rather than practical considerations. In war, it is important to prioritize strategic goals over personal honor.

Finally, over-solicitude for one’s men is the fifth fault that Sun Tzu warns against. A general who is too concerned with the well-being of his troops may hesitate to take risks or make difficult decisions, leading to defeat. In war, it is important to balance concern for one’s troops with the need to achieve strategic objectives.

Sun Tzu concludes this chapter by warning that when an army is overthrown and its leader slain, the cause will likely be found among these five dangerous faults. Therefore, it is essential for military leaders to reflect on these faults and strive to avoid them in order to achieve success in war.

In summary, Sun Tzu’s teachings on the five dangerous faults provide valuable insights for military leaders and anyone facing challenging situations. By avoiding recklessness, cowardice, a hasty temper, a delicacy of honor, and over-solicitude for one’s men, one can increase their chances of achieving success and avoiding defeat.