Waging War (Zuo Zhan)
Original Content
In the operations of war, where there are in the field a thousand swift chariots, ten thousand armored soldiers, and provisions enough to carry them a thousand li... in war, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.
Description
Focuses on the economics of war. Logistics must precede movement. It emphasizes quick victories to prevent the nation from being impoverished by prolonged conflict.
Related Hexagrams
Hexagram Da Chu (Great Accumulation): 'Not eating at home brings good fortune.' Balancing large-scale resource accumulation and consumption.
Hexagram Sun (Decrease): 'Decrease the lower to benefit the upper.' War is a reduction of national strength and must be treated with caution.
Hexagram Xu (Waiting): 'Waiting in the sand; a little gossip, but the end is lucky.' The necessity of waiting for supplies and logistical support.
Hexagram Jing (The Well): 'The town may be changed, but the well cannot.' The stability of logistics is the root of military operations.
Hexagram Da Zhuang (Great Power): 'Persistence is productive.' Strength must be used with restraint to avoid exhausting resources.