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The Art of War 1

The Five Key Lessons From The Art of War

The Art of War 2

Principles of Management 105 Jessica Sanders June 17, 2012

The Five Key Lessons from The Art of War

The Art of War is a very interesting book consisting of 13 chapter of how successful wars are overcome written by Sun Tzu in 500BC. The Art of War was written on vertical bamboo strips each no longer than a chop stick. Each stick contained 15-25 Chinese characters that were later stitched together. Inside the 13 chapters of The Art of War lie the secrets to success, which was hidden for a thousand years. Sun Tzu stated if you follow his principles you will prevail, but if you ignore them you will lose. He stated that he could turn anyone into a soldier. He appointed leaders, but women did not take him serious. They thought his orders were funny. One of Sun Tzu principles stated that if the orders are unclear it is the fault of the general that the troops do not obey, but if the orders are clear, it is the fault of the subordinate officers that the orders are not obeyed. Sun Tzu killed his first two appointed leaders for disobeying his orders. Every then followed him. He then became commander of Wu Army. Sun Tzu's principle war is a matter of life and death which is key principle of his teachings, and once understood everyone will be motivated to win. His most important principles were to know your enemy and know yourself and in 100 battles you will never be in peril. He stated that understanding the opponent is crucial to victory, to win 100 battles is not the height of skill, to subdue the enemy without fighting is. He stated fighting cost money and lives, avoid what is strong, and attack what is weak. He didn’t care about glory he only wanted to win. When these principles are put together, they are unbreakable.

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