LEADERSHIP LIBRARY

IN BRIEF

This is a classic of the strategy literature—almost required reading just because people often reference it. The most interesting applications of Sun Tzu’s teachings to non-military life are about self-awareness of one’s capabilities, choosing the battlegrounds on which you have advantage, and independent thinking.

Key Concepts

The factors of war

“The art of war, then is governed by five constant factors… (1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline.” (p. 5)

“Therefore, in your deliberations, when seeing to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise:— (1) Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral law? (2) Which of the two generals has most ability? (3) With whom lie the advantages derived from Heaven and Earth? (4) On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced? (5) Which army is strong? (6) On which side are officers and men more highly trained? (7) In which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment? By means of these seven considerations I can forecast victory or defeat.” (p. 6)

Importance of self-awareness and understanding both your capabilities and competitors’

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained, you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” (p. 15)

Think before you act

“...in war, the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.” (p. 18)

Think about each situation independently, rather than based on habit

Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.” (p. 34)

Quotables

“All warfare is based on deception.” (p. 7)

“Not the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple where the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations before hand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat…” (pp. 7-8)

“There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare.” (p. 9)

“To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.” (p. 17)

“Humble works and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to attach are signs that he will retreat.” (p. 24)

“If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.” (p. 26)

“Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.” (p. 28)

“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.” (p. 39)

“Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.” (p. 39)

“If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler’s bidding.” (p. 48)

“If you know the enemy’s and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.” (p. 48)

“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. No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen.; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.” (p. 63)

“If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are.” (p. 63)