Neither is it the acme of excellence if you fight and conquer and the whole Empire says, “Well done!”
Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is a treatise on military strategy and tactics that is still widely studied and applied today, more than two thousand years after it was written. Among the many insights and principles it contains, one that stands out is the idea that true excellence in warfare lies not in achieving victory through brute force or cunning, but in achieving victory in a way that transcends the ordinary.
In Chapter 4, verse 9, Sun Tzu writes: “Neither is it the acme of excellence if you fight and conquer and the whole Empire says, ‘Well done!'”
What does this mean? It means that simply achieving victory in battle is not enough to demonstrate true excellence as a military leader. Anyone can win a battle through sheer force or overwhelming numbers, but it takes a truly skilled and strategic general to win in a way that is both effective and elegant.
For Sun Tzu, excellence in warfare involves not just winning battles, but doing so in a way that minimizes casualties, preserves resources, and maintains the support of the people. This requires a deep understanding of the terrain, the enemy, and one’s own strengths and weaknesses, as well as the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and anticipate the moves of one’s opponents.
Moreover, Sun Tzu suggests that true excellence in warfare involves something more than just tactical skill. It requires a higher level of spiritual and moral awareness, a commitment to the greater good, and a willingness to sacrifice personal glory for the good of the army and the state.
In short, the acme of excellence in warfare is not just about winning battles, but about winning in a way that reflects the highest ideals of strategy, ethics, and leadership. It is about achieving victory through a combination of strength and wisdom, courage and compassion, skill and intuition. And it is about doing so in a way that transcends the ordinary and inspires others to do the same.
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.