Sun Tzu – The Art Of War 1.9

The Commander stands for the virtues of
wisdom, sincerely, benevolence, courage and strictness.

In Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War,” the concept of The Commander is one of the five constant factors that govern warfare. According to Sun Tzu, The Commander represents the virtues of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness. In this post, we will explore the importance of these virtues in military leadership.

Wisdom is the ability to make informed and sound decisions, based on knowledge and experience. A wise commander will consider all available information and make strategic decisions that will benefit their troops and achieve the overall objective.

Sincerity is the quality of being genuine and truthful. A sincere commander will communicate honestly with their troops, fostering trust and loyalty. By being open and honest, a commander can build a strong and effective team.

Benevolence is the quality of being kind, compassionate, and considerate. A benevolent commander will care for the well-being of their troops, providing for their needs and ensuring their safety. This can foster a sense of loyalty and commitment among troops, leading to a more effective and cohesive team.

Courage is the quality of being brave and fearless in the face of danger. A commander who displays courage can inspire their troops and lead by example. This can also instill confidence in troops, making them more willing to take risks and push through adversity.

Strictness is the quality of being firm and consistent in enforcing discipline and following orders. A strict commander will set clear expectations and hold troops accountable for their actions. This can promote order and discipline within the ranks, leading to a more effective and efficient team.

Overall, Sun Tzu’s teachings on The Commander remind us that effective military leadership requires a combination of virtues. By embodying the qualities of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness, a commander can lead their troops to victory. By fostering trust, loyalty, and discipline, a commander can create a strong and effective team that is capable of achieving their objectives.