Sun Tzu – The Art Of War 1.11

These five heads should be familiar to every general: he who knows them will be victorious; he who
knows them not will fail.

In “The Art of War,” Sun Tzu identified five constant factors that are crucial to consider when engaging in warfare. These factors are The Moral Law, Heaven, Earth, The Commander, and Method and Discipline. Sun Tzu believed that understanding these factors was essential for any general to be victorious in battle.

Sun Tzu argued that The Moral Law was necessary to ensure that the people were in complete accord with their ruler. A ruler who was supported by his people could rely on their loyalty and willingness to follow him into battle. Similarly, understanding the significance of Heaven, which includes factors such as time, weather, and seasons, was crucial for any general seeking to gain an advantage over their enemy.

In addition to The Moral Law and Heaven, Sun Tzu also believed that understanding the physical environment, or Earth, was essential for military success. This included understanding the terrain, as well as the various risks and opportunities presented by different locations. By being able to assess the conditions on the ground, generals could make informed decisions that would help them achieve their objectives.

Furthermore, Sun Tzu emphasized the importance of The Commander, who must possess virtues such as wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness. A great commander would inspire and motivate his troops, and would be able to make quick and effective decisions on the battlefield.

Finally, Sun Tzu stressed the importance of Method and Discipline in marshaling the army, maintaining supply lines, and controlling military expenditure. By being able to effectively organize and deploy resources, commanders could ensure that their troops were well-equipped and ready for battle.

In conclusion, Sun Tzu believed that understanding these five constant factors was essential for any general seeking victory in warfare. By familiarizing themselves with The Moral Law, Heaven, Earth, The Commander, and Method and Discipline, generals could make informed decisions and gain an advantage over their enemies. As Sun Tzu wrote, “he who knows them will be victorious; he who knows them not will fail.”