孫子曰凡用兵之法馳車千駟革車千乘帶甲十萬千里饋糧則內外之費賓客之用膠漆之材車甲之奉日費千金然後十萬之師舉矣
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu’s statement is highlighting the expense and logistical challenges involved in conducting military operations on a large scale. He is suggesting that even a relatively small military force, consisting of a thousand swift chariots, as many heavy chariots, and a hundred thousand soldiers, will require significant financial resources to sustain. This will include not only the direct costs of maintaining and equipping the soldiers and their vehicles, but also the expenses associated with providing food, supplies, and other support to the troops in the field. Sun Tzu is emphasizing that the costs of war can be significant, and must be carefully considered when planning and conducting military operations.
In a large business operation, expenses can quickly add up and must be carefully planned for. This includes both direct costs and smaller expenses.
In a business context, Sun Tzu’s statement is a reminder of the need to carefully consider and plan for all of the costs associated with running a large-scale operation. This could include the salaries and benefits of employees, as well as the costs of office supplies and equipment. It may also include expenses associated with providing support and resources to employees, such as entertainment and other amenities. By carefully planning and budgeting for these costs, a business can ensure that it has the financial resources necessary to sustain its operations and achieve success. A lack of planning and consideration for these costs could lead to financial strain and potentially even failure.
It is important for a business to carefully watch and manage its expenses, both large and small, in order to ensure its financial stability and success. This includes not only the direct costs associated with the company’s operations, such as salaries and supplies, but also smaller expenses that can add up over time. By carefully tracking and controlling these expenses, a business can ensure that it has the financial resources necessary to sustain its operations and achieve its goals. Additionally, careful expense management can help a business to identify areas where it may be able to cut costs and increase efficiency, which can improve its bottom line. Overall, watching and managing expenses is crucial for the success of any business.