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 taizongs argument? a strong military benefits china. confucius approved of warfare. weapons and armor are tools of violence. military force should be eliminated.

Explanation:

To determine the main idea, analyze each option:

• Option "A strong military benefits China": The text says "military might serves to benefit the realm" (realm referring to China under Taizong), and explains teaching military arts and the role of military force, supporting this.
• "Confucius approved of warfare": The quote is about teaching people to fight, not approving warfare, so incorrect.
• "Weapons and armor are tools of violence": This is a detail, not the main idea.
• "Military force should be eliminated": The text says "cannot be entirely eliminated", so this is wrong.

Answer:

A. A strong military benefits China.