Masters of War: Classical Strategic Thought by Handel Michael I

Author:Handel, Michael I. [Handel, Michael I.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Published: 2012-10-11T21:00:00+00:00

THE TEMPERAMENT OF THE MILITARY LEADER

Discipline does more in war than enthusiasm.

Machiavelli, The Art of War, p. 718

Sun Tzu devotes much attention to the problem of selecting a military leader whose temperament lends itself to rational action under stressful conditions. Conversely, it is only natural that he also explore various ways to undermine the opponent’s rational conduct and induce poorly calculated decisions at every opportunity. In his advice on the temperament of the ideal military leader, Sun Tzu basically agrees with Clause-witz, although Sun Tzu’s statements are more often couched in ‘negative terms’,—that is, in terms of what he believes are undesirable characteristics or the best ways to exploit the foibles of the opponent’s general. Sun Tzu’s ‘negative’ approach is also demonstrated by his emphasis on pressuring one’s opponent into making emotional, irrational, and poorly calculated decisions. This is recognized only indirectly by Clausewitz, perhaps because he thinks it obvious. Thus Sun Tzu advises his commander to agitate and perplex the enemy—to provoke him until he acts without thinking.

Anger his general and confuse him.

[Li Ch’uan]… If the general is choleric, his authority can easily be upset. His character is not firm.

[Chang Yu] If the enemy’s general is obstinate and prone to anger, insult and enrage him, so that he will be irritated and confused, and without a plan will recklessly advance against you.

Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.

(Sun Tzu, The Art of War, p. 67)

If a general is unable to control his impatience and orders his troops to swarm up the wall like ants, one third of them will be killed without taking the city.

(Sun Tzu, The Art of War, pp. 78–79)

It is the business of a general to be serene and inscrutable, impartial and self-controlled.

[Wang Hsi]… If serene he is not vexed; if inscrutable, unfathomable; if upright, not improper; if self-controlled, not confused.

(Sun Tzu, The Art of War, p. 136)

[Chang Yu]… Therefore the expert at controlling his enemy frustrates him and then move against him. He aggravates him to confuse him and harasses him to make him fearful.

(Sun Tzu, The Art of War, p. 108)

According to Sun Tzu, these qualities are dangerous in a general:

If reckless, he can be killed…

[Tu Mu]… A general who is stupid and courageous is a calamity… When people discuss a general, they always pay attention to his courage…

If cowardly, captured:

[Ho Yen-hsi] One who esteems life above all will be overcome with hesitancy. Hesitancy in a general is a great calamity.

If quick-tempered, you can make a fool of him:

[Tu Yu] An impulsive man can be provoked to rage and brought to his death. One easily angered is irascible, obstinate, and hasty. He does not consider the difficulties.

[Wang-Hsi] What is essential in the temperament of a general is steadiness.1

If he has too delicate a sense of honor, you can calumniate him.

[Mei Yao-ch’en] One anxious to defend his reputation pays no regard to anything else.

If he is of a compassionate nature, you can harass him.

[Tu Mu] He who is humanitarian and compassionate and fears only casualies cannot

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