Planning to Win.
Basically, How to Win
For this particular reading or blogpost assignment, I have picked the book by Sun Tsu, “The Art of War.” It is claimed to have been written around the 5th Century BCE by a Chinese military strategist by the name Sun Tsu, and it said that the original text was written on bamboo sticks that were passed down over the centuries. The author continued by stating that this book is “an ancient yet ever-relevant treatise on military strategy. Delve into the book’s timeless wisdom, its application in various field beyond warfare, and discover why it remains a pivotal guide in strategy, leadership, and understanding human nature (Simms 2024) [1]
Even though this book survived until today and it is still in printing, there were some who were not impressed by this work. Cartwright (2017) wrote this in review of the book, “The Art of War was not admired by all. Followers of Confucianism took exception to the use of deception which they considered as contrary to gentlemanly conduct. Another critic was Han Fei Tzu, an influential philosopher and advisor to the King Cheng of the Ch’in State during the Warring States Period. Fei Tzu thought that the work neglected discipline as an important element of in an army’s success and was not convinced by the argument that the limitation of war’s destructive consequences should always be in the thoughts of the commander (Cartwright 2017).[2]
My observations is that this book is old, has a proverbial structured, contain a lot wise advice for military strategist. Even though they are military strategist, the concepts can be applied to real life. I look at this book as an instruction in “how to win.” For example, chapter one talks about ‘Laying Plans,’ which can also be viewed as Planning a Way to Win. Later in the chapter, there’s a phrase that summarize how to win by planning.
“The general who loses a battle makes few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.”[3]
Basically, there’s that important correlation between calculations, battle and winning. Working in the Construction Industry, I use to hear a lot this phrase that goes, “failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” This phrase many people have attributed to Benjamin Franklin while others disagree. But the takeaway is to succeed, one must prepare. According to Tsu, ‘many calculations lead to winning battle.
In the gospel of Luke, this concept on calculations is also discussed. In Luke chapter 14:28-30 it said,
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”[4]
The bible also mention this concept of a king doing calculations before going to war. ‘He sat down make calculation and consulted his counsels before setting out for battle. So this concept is not only in the secular world but is a biblical concept as well. This first concept of winning is make sure you are able to win before engaging.
The second concept of ‘how to win’ is during the campaign, make sure you are well-equipped on the battle-front and the home-front as well. In the second chapter, Tzu said,
“In the operations of war, where there are in the field a thousand swift chariots, as many heavy chariots, and a hundred thousand mail-clad soldiers, with provisions enough to carry them a thousand li, the expenditure at home and at the front, including entertainment of guests, small items such as glue and paint, and sums spent on chariots and armor, will reach the total of a thousand ounces of silver per day. Such is the cost of raising an army of 100,000 men.”[5]
It is understandable that when the soldiers are both taken care both at home and in the field, they (soldiers) will have clear conscience and be able to focus on task at hand. If home-front is neglected, this will be a distraction to the soldiers. I have never fought in a real battle but when I work for an employer that not only takes care of the workplace, but care for the employees and benefits for their families, employees are dedicated to their employer.
There are many proverbial sayings that we can learn from Sun Tzu, but these are two that I learned in this short period of time. Before engaging in a battle, (a.) be sure you have what it takes to win, and (b.) be sure that both fronts are taken care, the battle-front and the home-front.
[1] Simms, Courtney. Medium.com. January 30, 2024. https://medium.com/@courtneysimms/timeless-strategy-a-review-of-sun-tsus-the-art-of-war-363811dea#311a (accessed September 14,2024).
[2] Cartwright, Mark. Worldhistory.org, July 18, 2017. https://worldhistory.org/The_Art_or_War/(accessed September 14, 2024).
[3] Tzu, Sun. The Art of War (Annotated): Sun Tzu’s Original Version of The Art of War in English, Completed Text and Commentaries explaining Sun Tzu’s Military Strategy and Tactics (p.51). anonymous. Kindle Edition.
[4] Luke 14:28-30 – King James Version (accessed September 15, 2024).
[5] Ibid (page. 52)
About the Author
Noel Liemam
One response to “Planning to Win.”
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Hi Noel,
Thank you for your post. I appreciate that you have mentioned that preparing on the home front is also essential for battle – this is good wisdom for ministry!
Julie