The general is the state’s bulwark; his completeness makes the state strong, his defects make it weak.

By Sun Tzu, from L'Art de la guerre

Key Arguments

  • He directly ties the integrity of the general to the strength or weakness of the state.

Source Quotes

11. Now the general is the bulwark of the State; if the bulwark is complete at all points; the State will be strong; if the bulwark is defective, the State will be weak. 12.

Key Concepts

  • Now the general is the bulwark of the State; if the bulwark is complete at all points; the State will be strong; if the bulwark is defective, the State will be weak.

Context

iii. Attack by Stratagem (lines 177–227)