The art of war book

By Sun Tzu, 5th century BC. AD, 75 pages.

Summary of The Art of War book

The Art of War, a book written by a Chinese General named Sun Tzu around 5th century BC. It’s considered the first strategy book in the world. We don’t know much about Sun Tzu, whether it’s one person or more, as the text switches between “Sun Tzu says” and “I say.”

In the Art of War, the book is divided into 13 chapters, which aren’t exactly different topics, but more like 13 reflections or thoughts. Some parts might repeat and sound theoretical, but even though it’s thousands of years old, “The Art of War” is still relevant today.

By changing words like “enemy” to “competitor,” “camp” to “market,” and “soldier” to “employee,” you can turn this military strategy book into a guide for business strategy. I think all entrepreneurs and business creators should read it.

It’s often included in university reading lists, and many entrepreneurs use its principles for negotiating big contracts and important sales.

The book is short, only 75 pages, but it’s packed with ideas. In my review, I’ve covered the important points from “The Art of War” book. Even though it’s very old, the ideas still make sense today, and that’s why I wanted to share it with you on this blog.

“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.”
– Sun Tzu, The Art of War book

Article 1: Initial Estimations

In this timeless work of Asian literature, Sun Tzu teaches us that achieving success and triumph in battles requires considering five essential elements: moral law, heaven, earth, the leader, method, and discipline.

Moral Law: Maintain a consistent and focused mindset.
Heaven: Recognize the right timing for action.
Earth: Choose the right ground for battle.
The Leader: Treat your comrades with respect, care, and understanding.
Method and Discipline: Master the strategy, understand roles, and explore options.

By adhering to your moral principles, you’ll gather support from neighboring groups. By factoring in the circumstances of heaven and earth, you’ll determine the best moment to strike. Effective leadership ensures your team serves both out of duty and camaraderie. Methodical planning prevents wasted effort against stronger foes, saving time and energy.

If you decide to engage, conceal your strengths, sow confusion, and seize opportunities when your opponent least expects it.

Avoid relying solely on one battle; don’t gamble your destiny on a single fight.

Those interested in history might enjoy my article “10 Exceptional Historical Novels for Traveling Back in Time,” where I discuss works like Azteca, War and Peace, and Quo Vadis?

Article 2: Waging War

When you possess both the necessary resources and soldiers for battle, don’t hesitate. If victory is your goal, initiate the fight promptly and gather all your forces. Delaying risks allowing your opponent to strike first when your tools are deteriorated and your troops inactive, erasing previous accomplishments.

True masters of warfare don’t keep their soldiers idle for extended periods. Inactivity weakens an army more than anything else.

Hence, keep your campaigns brief!

Stay prepared for combat at all times. Seize every chance to disrupt your enemy, ensnare them, and diminish their strength by seizing their resources.

Treat captured foes as you would your own soldiers. Make their stay in your camp more appealing than with your adversaries. Treat them as comrades, as if they willingly joined your ranks.

“What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations.”
-Sun Tzu, The Art of War book

Article 3: Planning Offensives

Sun Tzu’s guidance emphasizes the wisdom of refraining from declaring war hastily and instead valuing your territories. It’s essential to acquire and sustain gained territories without destruction.

The wisest strategy is securing an undamaged state.

The ultimate victory lies in avoiding battles altogether. Uncover your enemy’s strategies, create division among their supporters, and deter external assistance.

Direct confrontation isn’t always needed; target the adversary’s plans. Disrupt their strategies as they take shape, fracture alliances. Only then should you engage in combat.

The objective is seizing enemy territories while they remain intact. This preserves your troops’ energy and yields substantial gains.

The five keys to triumph are:

Selecting the right moments for both confrontation and restraint.
Efficiently managing your forces as per the context.
Guarding against unwise decisions driven by personal ambition.
Skillfully choosing your team members.
Preparing for the enemy before they become an adversary.

As Sun Tzu stated, “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. And if you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

“The one without goals is unlikely to achieve anything.”
– Sun Tzu, The Art of War summary

Article 4: Military Disposition

Skilled warriors don’t struggle in battles; they enter only when conditions favor them. They’ve strategized, assessed their own strengths and vulnerabilities, and understood the enemy’s position.

They discern the outcome before engaging – victory flows naturally from their preparation. A wise commander avoids defeat, seizing every opportunity to outmaneuver the enemy.

“Know how to wait for the right moment before going on the attack.”

Article 5: Strategic Military Power

In this section, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of knowing every soldier in your army by name, understanding their skills, and utilizing them strategically based on their strengths.

He advises a combination of direct and indirect force:

Direct force involves confronting the enemy head-on.
Indirect force entails attacking unexpectedly where the enemy is vulnerable.

Direct strength has limits, while indirect force is boundless. A skilled commander seeks victory in the situation, not from mere demands on the troops.

Beyond warfare, mastery lies in influencing enemies. Push them like a boulder off a mountaintop – minimal effort results in significant impact, causing the boulder to tumble down the mountain.

Article 6: Vacuity and Substance

Selecting the right battlefield is a pivotal aspect of the art of war in this summary. By enticing your adversary to your chosen ground, you secure a strategic advantage based on the terrain.

Should the enemy remain entrenched in their position, stir them into action, compelling them to abandon their camp.

Opt for unexpected fields for engagement, catching the enemy off guard and exploiting their vulnerabilities.

The objective is to keep the enemy uncertain about the battleground. Their awareness of your intentions, means, and tactics must remain clouded. If they prepare for a frontal assault, strike from their rear. If they fortify the rear, assail their front.

“When capable, feign incapacity; when active, inactivity. And when near, make it appear that you are far away; when far away, that you are to lure him.”
– The Art of War, Sun Tzu

Article 7: Military Combat

Know the battlefield well. Prevent the enemy from coming close to your camp spot and keep them near places you can benefit from.

Attack when the enemy believes you’re distant, ensuring victory. A startled enemy is already partly beaten.

For communication, employ drums. The beat of many drums bolsters your troops’ courage and unnerves foes. These sounds guide the enemy’s focus where you intend.

“If you see that your soldiers are ardent, now is the time to jump into battle. If, on the contrary, it is your enemies who are ardent, then you must wait for a better time.”
– The Art of War, Sun Tzu

Article 8: Nine Changes

Sun Tzu talks about nine changes that affect your position: attacking, retreating, resting:

Stay away from places where help can’t reach you: swamps, dense forests.
Don’t camp in isolated spots.
In risky areas with disease, fight swiftly or lose many soldiers.
Avoid places far from water and food.
In ambush-prone areas or if escape is tough, don’t attack first. But if attacked, fight fiercely.
Don’t siege well-defended cities or with plenty of food; you might quit fast.
Use advantages without losing anything.
Consider the cost before gaining advantage: energy, lives, etc.
When possible, act without waiting for orders from leaders.

“A good general should never say to himself: whatever happens, I will do such and such a thing, I will go there, I will attack the enemy, I will besiege such and such a place. Only the circumstance should determine it.”
– The Art of War, Sun Tzu

Article 9: Maneuvering the Army

Before choosing a camp, know where enemies are, understand your surroundings, and pick the best spot:

In valleys, position sentries on mountains to watch foes.
By rivers, know the crossings.
In swamps, stick to edges.
On plains, take high ground for visibility; hilltops are best.

In forests, stay vigilant; ambushes are possible.

Have sentries everywhere to spot enemies.

Observe foes to draw conclusions:

Quick movement means confidence.
Multiple camps indicate unfamiliarity with terrain.
Constant leisure might signal weak leadership.

Monitor your troops too. Prevent misbehavior, watch over them, stay alert.

Whispering soldiers might be fearful.
Requests for leave might show reluctance to fight.
Fear in your bravest soldiers suggests doubt among them.

Soldier numbers aren’t enough; a general’s leadership can make or break an army.

“Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent’s fate.”
– Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Article 10: Configurations of Terrain

The best battleground is where tall mountains provide security and ample food. Both you and your enemies are drawn to such areas, so reach there first.

Avoid deceptive places that seem easy to enter but hard to exit; they might be enemy traps.

Be cautious of past adversaries you couldn’t defeat. Retreat if possible. Don’t challenge a rival firmly positioned.

For victory against evenly matched foes, grasp nine of ten terrain advantages.

Complete terrain mastery lets you handle any situation, even dire ones.

A wise general treats troops like family. Guide and lead them, sharing risks and even facing death together.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.”
– The Art of War, Sun Tzu

Article 11: Nine Terrains

There are 9 types of terrains that can affect armies’ advantages or disadvantages:

Dispersive terrain: Near borders, troops might avoid battle.
Light terrain: Borders with a breach to enemy territory, tempting to retreat if attacked.
Contentious terrain: Neither side benefits.
Open terrain: Forces confrontation.
Heavy terrain: Large spaces in enemy’s territory, avoid if possible.
Terrain of intersecting highways: Middle ground for reinforcements from multiple directions.
Serious terrain: Vital locations in enemy’s territory, like cities, mountains, or sea.
Difficult terrain: Tight spots limiting visibility and movement.
Fatal terrain: Small, permanent danger – fight and risk death, or abstain and risk starvation.

“The whole art of war is based on deception.”
– Sun Tzu, The Art of War

In a spread-out area, avoid battles to prevent desertion.

Don’t camp in an easily accessible area.
Secure contentious terrain or dislodge enemies.
Control open terrain and exits.
Expand and defend in heavy terrain, attack when ready.
Master intersecting highway paths.
Seize control in serious terrain.
Retreat swiftly in difficult terrain.
Swiftly attack in fatal terrain for survival.

Article 12: Incendiary Attacks

Using fire in battles has 5 methods: burning people, provisions, supply trains, armories, and using incendiary projectiles. If a fire you set doesn’t spread, stay composed. If it catches, send men to fuel it.

Always remember to reward your troops.

Article 13: Employing Spies

Learn everything about the enemy: connections, interests, history. Use spies, gather all info.
The secret to victory is division:
Divide enemy-controlled people to turn them against their ruler.
Recruit enemy soldiers to your side.
Exploit discord among enemy officers.
Spread false rumors for discord.
Reward ex-enemy soldiers who join you.

“An army without spies is like a man without eyes and ears.”

Conclusion on The Art of War, Sun Tzu

The book “The Art of War” teaches how thinking and analyzing weaknesses can lead to victory in battles. It emphasizes psychology, deception, and strategy. It’s not just about war, but also philosophy. The principles apply to business, politics, and life. This ancient book is surprisingly relevant today, like other success books. It helps entrepreneurs develop strategies for challenges.

“The success of an operation lies in its preparation.”
– Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Strengths of The Art of War, Sun Tzu:

Timeless Survival: Its enduring existence speaks volumes.
Life Philosophy: Focuses on surprise and knowledge-seeking.
Versatility: Applicable in various fields, especially business.
Inspirational: Offers abundant creative ideas.
Academic Significance: Taught in prestigious institutions.
Universal Strategy: A guiding light for all domains.

Weaknesses of The Art of War, Sun Tzu:

Theoretical: Lacks practical examples.
Philosophical Tone: Might not resonate with all readers.
War Theme: Rooted in its original military context.
Dense Content: Requires focused reading.
Have you explored Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”? How do you rate its impact?

What can we learn from Sun Tzu’s book “The Art of War”?

Pick your fights wisely.
Timing is crucial.
Understand strengths and weaknesses.
Create a distinct strategy.
Keep your plans hidden.
Winning without fighting is best.
Embrace change for advantage.
Success leads to more success.
Long conflicts don’t benefit anyone.

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