Sun Tzu – The Art of War 8.13

These are the five besetting sins of a general, ruinous to the conduct of war.

Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is one of the most well-known and influential military treatises ever written. In it, Sun Tzu outlines many essential principles and strategies for successful warfare. One of the key themes in “The Art of War” is the importance of the general or leader’s character and behavior. Sun Tzu warns that there are five dangerous faults that can affect a general, and if these faults are not addressed, they can be ruinous to the conduct of war.

The five dangerous faults of a general are:

1. Recklessness – This is a lack of caution and thoughtfulness that can lead to destruction. A reckless general may charge headlong into battle without considering the consequences.
2. Cowardice – This is a lack of courage and bravery that can lead to capture or defeat. A cowardly general may be hesitant to engage the enemy or may flee from battle.
3. A hasty temper – This is a tendency to become easily angered or provoked, which can cloud judgment and lead to poor decisions. A general with a hasty temper may overreact to insults or perceived slights and make rash decisions.
4. Delicacy of honor – This is a sensitivity to shame and a desire to maintain a certain reputation or image. A general with a delicate sense of honor may be reluctant to retreat or surrender, even when it would be strategically wise to do so, because it would be seen as a shameful defeat.
5. Over-solicitude for his men – This is an excessive concern for the well-being of one’s troops, which can lead to worry and trouble. A general who is overly concerned about his troops may hesitate to take necessary risks or make difficult decisions that could put them in harm’s way.

Sun Tzu cautions that these five faults can be ruinous to the conduct of war because they prevent a general from making sound decisions and acting in the best interest of his army. To be a successful general, one must be able to recognize and address these faults in oneself and in others.

In summary, Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” emphasizes the importance of the general’s character and behavior in the conduct of war. The five dangerous faults of a general – recklessness, cowardice, a hasty temper, delicacy of honor, and over-solicitude for his men – can be ruinous to the success of a campaign. By recognizing and addressing these faults, a general can become a more effective leader and increase the chances of victory on the battlefield.