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James Clavell, author of a number of elaborate novels set in the Orient including Shogun, Tai-Pan, Gai-jin, and Noble House, edited a modern translation of Sun Tzu’s book, The Art of War. In the foreword he refers to it as “this extraordinary book” and a “work of genius.” He writes:
“Like Machiavelli’s The Prince and Miyamato Musashi’s The Five Rings, Sun Tzu’s truths, contained herein, can equally show the way to victory in all kinds of ordinary business conflicts, boardroom battles, and in the day-to-day fight for survival we all endure — even in the battle of the sexes! They are all forms of war, all fought under the same rules — his rules.”
Clavell recognizes that the concepts of strategy can apply in many arenas of life, and argues that they be considered essential knowledge for not only military leaders.
Sun Tzu — literally “Master Sun” — was a Chinese general and philosopher credited with writing The Art of War about 500 BCE. While there is debate as to its authorship, it is widely regarded as the earliest acknowledged “master work” on the subject of strategy. It is one of only six ancient military texts to survive a purge of texts in the 2nd century BCE and it is the most famous.
Whether written by one man, or as a compilation of others’s thoughts on strategy, it was considered essential reading through much of the history of what is now China. While the oldest copy from Japan is dated to as early as the 8th century, it was unknown in the west until it was translated into French in 1772. There is some evidence that Napoleon was influenced by The Art of War, and applied its principles.
Clavell points out that the book was obligatory reading in the (then) Soviet military/political-military hierarchy, and has been available in Russian for centuries.
While some of Sun Tzu’s prescriptions may seem obvious, history (and current events) still provide many examples of situations where people would have benefited from paying more attention to his precepts. His thoughts warrant more attention.
A brief sampling of his military ideas that might be creatively applied to non-military situations include:
“All warfare is based on deception.”
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” (This certainly applies in investing.)
“Let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.” (Keep your eye on the goal.)
“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.”
“When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.”
“Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.” (The classic con.)
“The wise warrior avoids the battle.”
And, perhaps his most famous maxim:
“The supreme excellence (in war) consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.”
. . . a seemingly upbeat thought that, later, might keep one awake at night.