definition
Jiang identifies 'people are an infinite resource' as the radically new concept beneath Mongol optimal strategy, contrasting it with older systems where people were valuable as labor or slaves.
Topic brief
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People AS Infinite Resource
If people are treated as an infinite resource, massacre for terror becomes more strategically useful than preserving conquered people as slaves.
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Key Notes
model
If people are treated as an infinite resource, massacre for terror becomes more strategically useful than preserving conquered people as slaves.
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diagnosis
Jiang contrasts Vikings and Mongols by saying Vikings never adopted the belief that people were an infinite resource because Europe was poor and Viking opponents commanded respect.
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causal-chain
The Mongols learned to treat people as an infinite resource from long contact with China, where warfare used disposable peasant armies and human-wave attacks.
Timestamped Evidence
Transcript
"So this is a culture that values freedom, egalitarianism, and self -reliance. And therefore, it makes great warriors. The problem, though, is the cultures..."
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Transcript
"People are an infinite resource. So throughout most of human history, people were the most valuable resource. There was not many people around. Therefore,..."
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"But if you believe that people are an infinite resource, then you don't want them as slaves. You want to kill as many people..."
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"Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. Yup. So, the Vikings were in Europe, and..."
Transcript
"Whereas the Mongols were not curious about the world. They were intent on conquest. And enslaving other people, and exploiting other people. Okay? They..."
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"The Mongols are working as either mercenaries for dynasties in China. Or they are trading. Okay? Or they're raiding and pillaging. Okay? So, for..."
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"Right? So, if you're the Mongols and you're fighting this enemy and they're just throwing these peasants at you and you're killing them all..."
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Relevant Lectures And Readings
Reading
Genghis Khan is not explained by saying the Mongols were uniquely evil.
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