What does Sun Tzu say is the best way to confront a large enemy?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks about Sun Tzu's guidance on confronting a large enemy. To start, we should evaluate each proposed tactic in light of his strategic emphasis on exploiting the enemy’s vulnerabilities and motivations.
Option 1: 'Send a spy to cause dissemination' — While espionage is a valuable tool in Sun Tzu’s framework, the specific maxim about facing a large foe centers on undermining what the enemy holds dear rather than simply spreading information. This option captures a related method, but it does not fully align with the classic emphasis on undermining the enemy’s core values or possessions that they highly prize.
Option 2: 'Attack at night' — Ambushes or night assaults can be effective in certain circumstances, but Sun Tzu’s doctrine prioritizes exploiting weaknesses and creating decisive leverage rather than defaulting to a unilateral tactic like night fighting, which can backfire against a large, well-defended opponent.
Option 3: 'Seize something he cherishes' — This is the core idea attributed to Sun Tzu: to defeat a strong adversary, remove or deprive them of what they prize, thereby demoralizing and destabilizing their ability to resist. It targets the enemy’s motivation and supply of morale, making it a superior approach when facing a larger force.
Option 4: 'Immediately kill their commanding officer' — Assassination or targeting leadership may cause disruption, but it risks provoking fierce resistance, indiscriminate retaliation, or ethical concerns in battle lore. It also does not capture the broader strategic principle of striking at what the enemy values, which often yields a more stable, decisive victory with potentially fewer casualties.
In summary, while the other options reference plausible tactics (espionage, night operations, leadership disruption), they do not embody the primary Sun Tzu principle of undermining the enemy by seizing what he cherishes, which directly weakens resolve and resources and aligns with his broader strategic philosophy.

PS3200W02 Ch11Quiz_Nine Situations

What does Sun Tzu say is the best way to confront a large enemy?

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PS*3200*W02 Ch11Quiz_Nine Situations

What does Sun Tzu say is the best way to confront a large enemy?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

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