Common Renaissance War Tactics
Win against battle
The Art of War was written more than 2,500 years ago in China. Although the texts are ancient, they are still used today because of their amazing insight into the strategy that has helped develop the world.
The book itself was written by a Chinese general named Sun Wu, who was extremely talented and experienced in the art of war. Originally, it was intended for use by royalty or for the elite army during its time period. But now the text is a treasure and has been studied by thousands of people around the world. Everyone from samurai to business leaders finds guidance through their work.
Surprisingly, the text of the book itself is more interesting than the background it has. The most amazing thing about the words that were written so long ago is that the guide is universal and truly timeless. By relying on the advice provided in this book, there are few things that stand in the way of victory. In addition, they will also help a person avoid disasters.
Next, we will look at the actual text of the book to learn more about how they can affect the world today.
Chapter 1 – Importance of War
In the beginning, we first learn the importance of war. The writer emphasizes that it is important for a nation and that it must be studied because it is a matter of life and death. This will remain true and nations continue to study strategies to avoid destruction to this day.
Next, we learn about the five factors of war: Road, Heaven, Earth, General, and Law. With each of these areas, it is suggested that strength should be measured from both yourself and your enemies. It is essential that you know what you are dealing with in any situation. Here is a breakdown of the five factors:
• Camino: the bond that your people have with you
• Sky: dark and clear
• Floor: high and low
• General: wisdom and courage
• Law: organization or chain of command
According to the writer, these are the most important things to examine and will help lead to victory if they are well thought out and developed. It is these elements that remain the most important areas in the war to this day.
Great emphasis is placed on how we measure our enemies throughout this first part of chapter one. This is an important element to consider for any person, company, country, etc. that has enemies or competition.
To improve ourselves, we must first know what the other side is capable of. This helps us determine the areas we need to focus on for improvement.
Next, it is suggested that you look at your rulers and the leadership that remains in your army. Through this assessment, you must determine which rulers will give you an advantage on the different factors that are crucial to the success of the army. When this is determined, these particular people should be in charge of these areas so that victory is guaranteed.
This idea is still a factor in the world today. Regardless of whether you are running a company or an army, you need to have the right people in charge of the right departments. By doing this, you will know that the best person is in charge and will help you get the results you want.
Now, there is discussion about the development of advantages from the other side or from the competition. To do this, you must develop a way to gain power by cheating. In order for your enemy not to learn your secrets, you must be able to hide your true potential from them.
This will allow you to be prepared when your enemies are not. Basically, this comes down to developing a strategy before going into battle. This is the same principle that applies to armed forces and businesses around the world. The trick is to develop the strategy that works better than the one the other person is developing.
Chapter 2 – The Royal March
Throughout this chapter, we discuss the actual strategy of going to war. For example, one of the most important things we can take away from this chapter is the fact that you should always be looking for a quick victory. This is great advice even to this day because the longer a battle is, the more damage both sides will take.
It also emphasizes the importance of knowing what you are up against before going into battle. This is also a crucial thing in today’s world because you will have no way of guaranteeing success if you don’t have a plan to defeat the enemy. When surprises arise in the middle of battle, mistakes can easily be made.
Another point that is made is that armies must try to deplete the enemy’s wealth. This is also a strategy that is used regularly in the corporate world, as well as when countries are at war. By cutting supplies or taking customers and supplies, the other side will be easily overcome.
Chapter 3 – When attacking the enemy
Now, the writer discusses the strategies you must have when attacking the enemy. The best scenario is to have the nation or army intact after the battle. This is useful because you can find profit on your assets rather than simply winning the battle.
However, if you can avoid going into battle, this is the best case. Instead, you should avoid going into battle and winning the war in another way. This will help keep your team and men in shape for the next time the need for a battle arises.
Chapter 4 – Build Your Army
This chapter looks at how you should build your army. Show how best to train your army into an invincible force and wait until your enemy is exhausted before starting your attack. This method is used in everything from war to sports and is one of the most effective forms of battle.
It also emphasizes that it is better to attempt an easy victory when you are in battle rather than to seek a dramatic victory. This is the best way to ensure that all of your men and equipment stay strong for the next battle. Developing this strategy is also something that is an important process that is still used today. It is best to avoid getting damaged during battle due to the large amount of resources that are lost.
Chapter 5 – Divide Our Forces
Now, we must learn to divide our forces. This is an important process used in companies and is the reason why different departments are created within a company. With this strategy, you see how it is better to have smaller groups with one leader rather than one leader for the whole group.
Not only does this help eliminate confusion, but it will also help keep the instructions simple. Since it is much easier to coordinate with a small group than with a large one, this is an important idea that has helped shape the world around us.
Chapter 6, 7 and 8 – Be proactive instead of reactive
This chapter teaches us more about how we should always be proactive rather than reactive. According to the writer, it is better for the army to enter the battlefield and wait for the second army and not the other way around.
This is important because the army that comes second is in a hurry and is often fatigued. It is also important that you attack when your enemy cannot defend himself. These concepts are the initial stages of the idea that it is important to be proactive. This concept is also discussed in more detail in the following chapters.
Chapter 9, 10 and 11 – The Importance of Watching Your Enemy
Now, we learn more about the importance of observing your enemy. The author also offers specific examples that can still be used today to ensure that the advantage is always on your side.
The most important thing to glean from this section of the book is that having an advantage over your enemy is important. You must do everything you can to develop your position so that you have the advantage.
Another important factor discussed here is the importance of taking care of your troops. This can be applied to many areas of our daily lives. When you are fighting or running a business, you are only as good as the people who do the work for you. If you don’t take care of them, you will find that your mission will be a failure.
Final chapters
There are many things that are discussed throughout The Art of War that remain important to this day. In fact, every piece of advice that is written on these pages is something that can be easily taken and applied to any facet of normal life. This is an important text that has greatly influenced the world we live in.