Sun Tzu – The Art of War 5.12

The onset of troops is like the rush of a torrent which will even roll stones along in its course.

Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is a timeless masterpiece that is still relevant to this day. One of the most famous passages from the book is in Chapter 5, verse 12: “The onset of troops is like the rush of a torrent which will even roll stones along in its course.”

This passage illustrates the power and momentum of a well-organized and disciplined army. When a force is united in purpose and direction, they can overcome any obstacle in their path, much like a raging river that can carry even the heaviest of stones downstream.

It also highlights the importance of preparation and planning before engaging in battle. A skilled commander must know how to direct and control the momentum of their troops to maximize their effectiveness and minimize their weaknesses. The force must be well-trained and well-equipped, and the strategy must be well thought-out to ensure that they can move like a powerful torrent towards their objective.

The passage is a reminder that in war, as in life, success often depends on harnessing and directing the power of nature rather than opposing it. By recognizing the natural flow of events and working with it rather than against it, a skilled leader can achieve great things. And like a rolling stone that gains momentum as it moves, a successful army can gain power and momentum as it advances towards victory.