Chapter 12 of Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”, titled “The Attack by Fire”, discusses strategies involving the use of fire. This chapter provides a detailed explanation of the importance of fire in warfare and the specific methods of its application.
In “The Attack by Fire”, five types of fire attacks are mentioned. They are as follows:
- Burning soldiers
- Burning supplies that are piled up in the open
- Burning enemy’s supply trains
- Burning warehouses where supplies are stored
- Burning enemy’s supply routes and bridges
These attack methods are said to require prior preparation. It is also pointed out that there is an appropriate season for setting fires, and a suitable day for making the fire bigger. These instructions can be seen as strategic advice to maximize the effect of fire attacks.
Furthermore, it is mentioned that troops should be deployed according to five changes in situations when conducting fire attacks. These instructions indicate that situational judgment is crucial for the success of fire attacks.
As described above, “The Attack by Fire” provides a detailed explanation of the importance of fire strategies and the specific methods of their application. This knowledge serves as a reference for deepening strategic thinking. Although Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is an ancient strategy book, its universal knowledge is still useful today and can be applied to decision-making in business and daily life. Understanding the teachings of “The Attack by Fire” and incorporating them into your own strategies can lead to more effective results.
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