XII. Attack by Fire

Attack by Fire In this chapter, Sun Tzu discusses the use of fire as a weapon in warfare. He emphasizes the importance of using fire in a strategic and calculated manner, in order to maximize its effectiveness and minimize its risks. Sun Tzu also discusses the various ways in which fire can be employed on the battlefield, such as through the use of incendiary weapons, burning enemy supplies and equipment, and setting up ambushes and traps.

The principles outlined in this chapter of The Art of War can be applied to a business context in several ways. One way is to use the concept of “attack by fire” as a metaphor for launching strategic initiatives or campaigns that are designed to disrupt the competition and gain a competitive advantage. For example, a business might launch a new product or service that is innovative and unique, or implement a new marketing campaign that targets a specific market segment in a bold and aggressive way.

Another way to apply the principles from the “Attack by Fire” chapter is to use the strategies and tactics outlined in the book to plan and execute business strategies and initiatives more effectively. For example, the principles of deception, surprise, and confusion can be used to create marketing campaigns that are unexpected and hard to anticipate, while the principles of speed, agility, and flexibility can be used to respond quickly to changes in the market and outmaneuver competitors.

Overall, the principles outlined in The Art of War can be useful for businesses looking to gain a competitive advantage and outmaneuver their rivals. By applying these principles in a strategic and thoughtful way, businesses can create effective strategies and initiatives that help them succeed in the marketplace.

1. There are five ways of attacking with fire. The first is to burn soldiers in their camp; the second is to burn stores; the third is to burn baggage-trains; the fourth is to burn arsenals and magazines; the fifth is to hurl dropping fire amongst the enemy.

2. In order to carry out an attack with fire, we must have means available. The material for raising fire should always be kept in readiness.

3. There is a proper season for making attacks with fire, and special days for starting a conflagration.

4. The proper season is when the weather is very dry; the special days are those when the moon is in the constellations of the Sieve, the Wall, the Wing or the Cross-bar; for these four are all days of rising wind.

5. In attacking with fire, one should be prepared to meet five possible developments:

6. When fire breaks out inside the enemy’s camp, respond at once with an attack from without.

7. If there is an outbreak of fire, but the enemy’s soldiers remain quiet, bide your time and do not attack.

8. When the force of the flames has reached its height, follow it up with an attack, if that is practicable; if not, stay where you are.

9. If it is possible to make an assault with fire from without, do not wait for it to break out within, but deliver your attack at a favorable moment.

10. When you start a fire, be to windward of it. Do not attack from the leeward.

11. A wind that rises in the daytime lasts long, but a night breeze soon falls.

12. In every army, the five developments connected with fire must be known, the movements of the stars calculated, and a watch kept for the proper days.

13. Hence those who use fire as an aid to the attack show intelligence; those who use water as an aid to the attack gain an accession of strength.

14. By means of water, an enemy may be intercepted, but not robbed of all his belongings.

15. Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the spirit of enterprise; for the result is waste of time and general stagnation.

16. Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.

17. Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

18. No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.

19. If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are.

20. Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content.

21. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.

22. Hence the enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution. This is the way to keep a country at peace and an army intact.