With this loss of substance and exhaustion of strength, the homes of the people will be stripped bare, and three-tenths of their income will be dissipated; while government expenses for broken chariots, worn out horses, breast-plates and helmets, bows and arrows, spears and shields, protective mantles, draught-oxen and heavy wagons, will amount to four-tenths of its total revenue.
Sun Tzu’s Art of War emphasizes the importance of considering the financial impact of war on a state. In chapters 2.13 and 2.14, Sun Tzu describes how the cost of maintaining an army and funding war can cause significant strain on a state’s economy.
According to Sun Tzu, as an army exhausts its resources, the homes of the people will be stripped bare, and three-tenths of their income will be dissipated. The heavy taxation required to maintain an army at a distance will afflict the peasantry with heavy exactions, leading to poverty and unrest. Additionally, the government expenses for broken chariots, worn-out horses, breast-plates and helmets, bows and arrows, spears and shields, protective mantles, draught-oxen and heavy wagons, will amount to four-tenths of its total revenue.
These passages highlight the importance of considering the economic impact of war on a state. Wars are not just costly in terms of lives lost but also in terms of resources expended. The cost of war can strain a state’s economy, leading to poverty and unrest among its citizens. Therefore, a wise leader should carefully consider the financial implications of going to war and seek to minimize the financial burden on their state and people.
Sun Tzu’s teachings are still relevant today, and they are applicable not only to warfare but also to other areas of life. It is essential to consider the costs and benefits of any action, whether it is personal or professional. By carefully considering the financial impact of our actions, we can make better decisions that are in the best interest of ourselves and our communities.
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.