Blog #4

After reading a lot about Sun Tzu and his work I decided to research some other applications. The biggest contribution that The Art of War had made was in the field of military. Many of the world’s greatest generals throughout history have in some way or form used Sun Tzu’s philosophy. Since the original text was written in Chinese, it has been translated into almost every major language. Most often it is associated with military strategy but as I was researching I found it interesting that over time it has been interpreted for many different applications. One of the most common applications was in the business world. The Art of War is written in a style that is poetic. Because of its style, it can be applied to almost any situation. Many CEOs and managers are implementing points stressed in the Art of War and applying them to the office.

By breaking down the book into main points you can apply them to your everyday life:

• The importance of intelligence:

• The importance of maneuvering so your enemy is hit in his weakest points

• The importance of morale

• How to conduct diplomacy so that you gain more allies and the enemy loses allies

• Having the moral advantage

• The importance of national unity

• All warfare is based on deception

• Logistics

• The proper relationship between the ruler and the general

• Know the difference between Strategy and Tactics

• No country has benefitted from a prolonged war

• Subduing an enemy without using force is best

Some Quotes to Live By:

“If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are.”

“The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.”

“If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.”

“The skillful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Ch'ang mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by head and tail both.”

“Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.”

“When the general is weak and without authority; when his orders are not clear and distinct; when there are no fixed duties assigned to officers and men, and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner, the result is utter disorganization.”

“Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.”

“Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.”