To be entirely fair, a lot of historians are fairly sure that the Art of War was written specifically for the commanders - which at this time could mean “battle hardened warlord king” or “spoiled prince who has literally never set foot outside the palace”. In an age of nobility going to war, this was more a primer for “hey here’s how to at least command like you know what you’re doing and also how to not get your soldiers to stab you to death”.
“well sir, it’s not just I, your lowely captain, saying that it would great to have food and not be outnumbered all the time. The great wise and ancient respected Sun Tsu also says it”.
“If the honorable Sun Tsu says it, then let us gather some food immediately!”
To be entirely fair, a lot of historians are fairly sure that the Art of War was written specifically for the commanders - which at this time could mean “battle hardened warlord king” or “spoiled prince who has literally never set foot outside the palace”. In an age of nobility going to war, this was more a primer for “hey here’s how to at least command like you know what you’re doing and also how to not get your soldiers to stab you to death”.
“well sir, it’s not just I, your lowely captain, saying that it would great to have food and not be outnumbered all the time. The great wise and ancient respected Sun Tsu also says it”.
“If the honorable Sun Tsu says it, then let us gather some food immediately!”