The Art of War, Chapter 2 summary
Chapter 2 of 13 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, Sun Tzŭ explains how prolonged campaigns exhaust soldiers, drain public wealth, and expose the state to attacks by other rulers. He urges commanders to seek swift victory, obtain food in enemy territory, reward successful soldiers, and strengthen their forces with captured equipment and prisoners.
What happens
- Sun Tzŭ describes the large daily expense of equipping and maintaining an army.
- He warns that delayed victory weakens soldiers, exhausts resources, and gives other rulers an opening.
- He recommends taking equipment from home but obtaining provisions in enemy territory.
- He explains how distant supply routes, rising prices, and taxes impoverish the people.
- He advises rewarding captures, reusing enemy chariots, and treating prisoners well while retaining their service.
- He concludes that victory, rather than prolonged campaigning, protects the nation and its people.
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In this chapter
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What does Sun Tzŭ recommend doing with captured soldiers?
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