Though the ancient Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu wrote it more than 2,500 years ago The Art of War is still referenced and used today. Its relevance applies not only to war, but it has far reaching applications to leadership, business, etc. I’m more of an organizer/to do list maker than a long term planner, strategic thinking isn’t my strong suit, so I knew that I could learn a thing or too from this ancient tome.
“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.”
In regards to their being only two methods of attack in battle, direct and indirect: “There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.” I’ve often pondered the complexities of music, so to see my thoughts in such a classic text makes me feel obviously unoriginal, but also affirmed.
I’d recommend reading it in the same way you would read a book of poetry, best in chunks over a long period of time. The advice may seem obvious but that is because his matter-of-fact explanations and observations are truly timeless. The Art of War shows that despite progress and technology, humanity is at its core the same as it always has been.