DO YOU KNOW HOW To read Art of War?
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In the pursuit of problem-solving and comprehending Sun Tzu's teachings, so-called "experts" often present a single quote as the ultimate solution. But let's face it, a single quote is rarely sufficient to grasp Sun Tzu's profound insights to solve a problem. To truly comprehend his advice, we must embark on a journey of cross-referencing multiple quotes from different chapters, unveiling new perspectives and better solutions.
For instance, when exploring the realm of leadership and the wisdom within the Art of War, we begin with 1.3: The art of war is guided by five constant factors that shape the conditions on the battlefield. (1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline. This naturally leads us to paragraph 1.4, which outlines these factors: The Moral Law, Heaven, Earth, The Commander, and Method and discipline.
To deepen our understanding of 1.4, we must delve into 3.12, where Sun Tzu reveals three ways a ruler can bring misfortune upon their army. And in conjunction with 3.17, we discover the five essential elements for victory: (1) He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. (2) He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces. (3) He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks. (4) He will win who prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared. (5) He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign. Additionally, in 10.14, we learn about the six calamities that can befall an army due to the general's faults: six calamities, not arising from natural causes, but from faults for which the general is responsible. These are (1) Flight; (2) insubordination; (3) collapse; (4) ruin; (5) disorganization; (6) rout.
After combining these passages, we gain a profound and wide-ranging understanding of leadership, enabling us to apply this knowledge more effectively.
Another captivating example involves two parallel lines, often misquoted and misunderstood. One appears in chapter three, Attack by Stratagem, while the other resides in chapter ten, Terrain. When these maxims are combined, they unlock a whole new dimension of understanding and wisdom.
Maxims 3.18 and 10.31 are often confused with each other or mistakenly believed to contain the same message. 3.18 emphasizes the importance of knowing the enemy and oneself, while 10.31 expands upon this concept by introducing the significance of understanding Heaven and Earth, the whole situation. Combining these lines, we unveil a profound maxim: 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, victories will be followed by defeats. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle. However, if you possess knowledge of the enemy, yourself, Heaven, and Earth, your victory will be complete.
Within chapter four, we encounter two interconnected lines that should never be separated. They form a formula that provides valuable insights for achieving improved outcomes.
4.17 unveils the pillars of the military method: Measurement, Estimation of quantity, Calculation, Balancing of chances, and Victory.
4.18 elucidates the interconnectedness of these elements: Measurement owes its existence to Earth; Estimation of quantity arises from Measurement; Calculation emerges from Estimation of quantity; Balancing of chances derives from Calculation, and Victory stems from Balancing of chances.
To separate these lines would be a grave mistake, as they offer a formula that can be repeatedly applied, leading to better decisions based on comprehensive analysis. These two maxims combined are the basis of creating a system of making quality decisions that can be relied on in any situation.
Some have dismissed the book because its concise thirteen chapters are easily and quickly. Yet, we mustn't judge a book by its cover, title or brevity. Sun Tzu, the ultimate "surviving spy," imparts wisdom that demands a lifetime of contemplation.
Hence, while you can read the book in a day, embarking on a lifelong journey of understanding will enrich your perspective immeasurably.