#2 The Art of War is of vital importance to the State

How then to go about this study? 

Sun Tzu teaches: “Appraise it [The Art of War] in terms of the five fundamental factors and compare the seven elements later named, so that you may assess its importance.” Sun Tzu identifies the fundamental factors as the moral law; heaven; earth; command; and the doctrine. 

The Moral Law 

Let us look at the first, which Sun Tzu describes: “By moral law, I mean that which causes the people to be in total accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him in life and unto death without fear for their lives and undaunted by any peril.” 

His words point to victorious soldiers ensuring national security, productive employees contributing to corporate profitability and harmonious relationships bonding a happy family. Thus, moral law is like a moral compass pointing people to the correct direction. Going by this, people will enlist to fight for a worthy cause like “defend our motherland, protect our families”, or join a corporation to contribute their creativity, skills, and knowledge to increase productivity and profitability. 

Right and wrong direction 

As moral is about the principle of right and wrong action and behaviour, moral law may ensure going towards the correct direction. However, even though people may know what is correct and what is wrong, they often let their desires take charge. To be successful, you must go by the moral law. 

When a man sought my advice as he wanted to become an author like me, his first question was: “How much money can I get from the book’s royalties?” Another who aspired to write his memoir said: “It’s not money I care about as I am already wealthy. I just want people, especially my descendants to know and remember my achievements.” 

Do you think their moral compass is pointing each of them to the correct direction? Will you be eager to read their books? I tried to set them right by sharing my moral law: I wrote books neither for money nor fame. I wrote simply because I had something useful to share with my readers. As I started with the correct moral law, I could write with passion. In the end, GOD still rewarded me with both money and fame. Even so, most important to me is that my readers learn things from me which would be useful to them. 

Conclusion: Always check your Moral Law 

For those whose moral compass points to the wrong direction, even if they make plenty of money and appear to be successful, are they really successful? Can those whose wealth comes from cheating, stealing, robbing, taking bribes or dealing in narcotics, even if uncaught, be considered successful? Can they live with their conscience? Can they be sure there will be no retribution? 

However, when your moral compass points you to the correct direction, your success will become more certain as you will make good impression on people who will help you attain your goal. As Sun Tzu has said, “people will follow their ruler in life and unto death”. 

To prove my point, this homepage was dormant for many years but now revived and “made with love” by JOeve Smart Solutions because they were touched by my moral law – to share knowledge on the contemporary application of The Art of War. 

So, check your moral law. Job-seekers will find the ideal employer. Colleagues will be cooperative. If you are an employer, you will attract capable personnel to work for you. If you are doing business, you will not be short of customers. Along life’s journey, you will meet many people who will help you. There shall be no lack of support.