Therefore in chariot fighting, when ten or more chariots have been taken, those should be rewarded who took the first. Our own flags should be substituted for those of the enemy, and the chariots mingled and used in conjunction with ours. The captured soldiers should be kindly treated and kept.
Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is an ancient Chinese military treatise that is still relevant today. It is a comprehensive guide on how to succeed in warfare and contains valuable lessons that can be applied in various aspects of life. In chapter two of the book, Sun Tzu discusses the importance of managing resources and the need to reward soldiers for their bravery and achievements. In this blog post, we will focus on the 17th verse of chapter two, which states:
“Therefore in chariot fighting, when ten or more chariots have been taken, those should be rewarded who took the first. Our own flags should be substituted for those of the enemy, and the chariots mingled and used in conjunction with ours. The captured soldiers should be kindly treated and kept.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing and rewarding soldiers for their bravery and achievements. Sun Tzu recognizes that soldiers need motivation to fight and that rewards are a way to achieve this. He also emphasizes the importance of treating captured soldiers kindly, as they may be useful in the future.
Furthermore, Sun Tzu’s instruction to replace the enemy’s flags with one’s own serves a symbolic purpose. It represents a shift in power and a psychological blow to the enemy. By replacing the enemy’s flags with one’s own, soldiers are reminded that they are fighting for their own side and that victory is possible.
The mingling of captured chariots with one’s own also serves a practical purpose. It increases the army’s resources, making it stronger and better equipped to fight. Additionally, it also serves as a psychological blow to the enemy. Seeing their own chariots being used against them can be demoralizing, and this can lead to a loss of confidence in their own abilities.
In modern times, the principles outlined in Sun Tzu’s teachings can be applied in various fields. For example, in the business world, rewarding employees for their achievements is a way to motivate them and improve productivity. Additionally, using one’s competitors’ resources to one’s advantage, such as hiring their employees or purchasing their assets, can lead to increased success.
In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s teachings are not just relevant to warfare but can be applied in various aspects of life. The 17th verse of chapter two emphasizes the importance of recognizing and rewarding soldiers for their bravery and achievements, as well as the practical benefits of using captured resources. By applying these principles in modern times, individuals and organizations can achieve greater success.
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.