In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy’s country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good. So, too, it is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them.
Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is a timeless classic that has been studied and applied by military strategists, business leaders, and individuals seeking personal growth for centuries. In chapter 3, Sun Tzu delves into the practical art of war and discusses the best approach to defeat an enemy.
According to Sun Tzu, the best thing of all is to take the enemy’s country whole and intact. Shattering and destroying the enemy’s country is not as good as taking it whole because it leads to destruction, which is not beneficial in the long run. The idea is to defeat the enemy in a way that enables the victor to benefit from the resources and infrastructure of the defeated nation.
Sun Tzu also advises that it is better to recapture an army, regiment, detachment, or company entirely than to destroy them. This is because capturing the enemy’s troops intact provides the victor with the ability to use them in future battles. Capturing them also leads to a better outcome for the prisoners of war, who can be treated more humanely than if they were killed in battle.
Sun Tzu’s wisdom in this chapter applies not only to military strategy but also to business and personal life. In business, it is better to acquire a company whole and intact rather than destroy it through hostile takeover or competition. By acquiring a company whole, the victor can benefit from its resources and infrastructure.
In personal life, it is better to approach conflicts with the goal of reaching a solution that benefits both parties rather than destroying the relationship altogether. The same principles apply to friendships, relationships, and family dynamics.
In summary, Sun Tzu’s advice in chapter 3 of “The Art of War” is to focus on winning in a way that benefits both the victor and the defeated party. By taking the enemy’s country whole and intact and recapturing the enemy’s troops, the victor can benefit from the resources and infrastructure of the defeated nation while treating prisoners of war humanely. This principle can be applied not only to military strategy but also to business and personal life.
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.