The Art of War by Master Taigong Chapter 03 Strategic Wisdom - State Affairs

This Chapter is a dialogue from the Art of War by Taigong Wang, where King Wen seeks guidance on effective governance. Taigong Wang emphasizes loving the people as the cornerstone of good leadership, explaining this principle through concrete examples of beneficial and harmful actions. He advocates for policies that benefit the people—light taxes, fair justice, and modest governance—and warns against practices that harm the people—heavy taxation, oppression, and extravagant spending. Ultimately, the ideal ruler is one who governs with empathy and considers the welfare of their subjects as their own.