Question

Weapons and armor are a country's tools of violence. A warlike country, however huge and safe it may be, will end up declining and endangering its populace. Military force cannot be entirely eliminated nor used all the time. Teach people military arts when they are free from farming in order to equip them with a sense of military decorum and morale. . . . Confucius said, "Not teaching people how to fight is the same as discarding them." Hence military might serves to benefit the realm. This is the gist of the art of war.

What is the main idea of Taizong’s argument?

A strong military benefits China.
Confucius approved of warfare.
Weapons and armor are tools of violence.
Military force should be eliminated.

Answer 1

A strong military benefits China.

The passage argues that while warlike aggression is harmful, military force shouldn't be eliminated; instead, teach military arts to strengthen morale and protect the realm—concluding that military might serves the country.