8 lasting takeaways from "Art of War" by Sun Tzu

The importance of strategy: Chp.1 "The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought." In other words, victory is not just about brute force or luck, but about careful planning and preparation.

Knowing yourself and your enemy: Chp.3 "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." Understanding your own strengths and weaknesses as well as those of your opponent can significant advantage in life/business.

The value of deception: Chp.1 "All warfare is based on deception." By misleading your opponent about your intentions or capabilities, you can gain an advantage or create confusion.

The importance of flexibility: Chp.6 Sun Tzu advises that one should be flexible in their strategy and tactics,"in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak." Being able to adapt to changing circumstances can be crucial in achieving victory.

The element of surprise: Chp.11 “Mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy” By keeping the enemy in the dark about your true intentions, capabilities, and movements, you can gain a significant advantage in battle.

However, not all tactics may work. In a detailed explanation by HBR (linked) on trade war, it is stated that Donald Trump's “Section 301”-tariffs on $50 billion of imports from China blocked American access to low-cost, high-quality components and backfired.



The role of timing: Chp.3 "To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill." By choosing the right time to strike or to make a move, you can avoid unnecessary conflict.

The importance of morale: Chp.5 "He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious. By maintaining high morale among your troops/team and undermining the morale of your enemy, you can gain a significant advantage.

The importance of preparation: By taking the time to prepare and plan, you can avoid mistakes and ensure that you are well-equipped to handle any challenges that may arise.

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