ceable. If faith decays, there will be disruption; if rewards are deficient, commands will not be respected. (Clavell 1983, 76)Authority, control and faith were all a part of the necessary tools to make victory achievable. These are also concepts of the Taoist religion. Taoism believes strongly in proper authority over people, in order to guide them on their spiritual pathways. Control over the mind, body and spirit are strong principles as well. Taoists believe that if they can control negative impulseses then they may conquer any temptation. It is the same in battle, if the army controls its maneuvers, then they will be the ultimate victors. Faith in one’s self and in the leader is equally important, since trust must be established before an authority figure can command his soldiers. Although the soldiers must fight the battle, the commanding officer is ultimately responsible for the outcome. His careful planning, strategic moves and ability to issue orders determines the course of action. Sun Tzu gave this instruction to the generals:7Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical. No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique. Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never again come into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life. (Clavell 1983, 76)This statement gives the impression that Sun Tzu was not for war unless absolutely necessary. He makes it clear that when in war, the commander must make his moves extremely carefully and only fight for a cause that must be upheld at all costs. He cautions overzealous generals to remember that once the damage is done, it is permanent.Once again while The Art of War represents war as a sort of necessary ...
