Executive Summary (art of war)
Sun Tzu was an ancient Chinese military general, strategist and philosopher whose teachings are based on the principles of the Taoist religion. He is the author of one of the most prominent pieces of literature during the era of the Warring States in which China entered around the first millennium B.C.E. In this work of art Sun Tzu takes a rational approach to the problem of conflict and dissects every aspect of it. He details how to overcome a conflict using specific procedures and methods. The main objectives when engaging in war, according to Tzu, are to evaluate your environment, identify your strengths and weaknesses as well as those of your opponent, and develop a full proof strategy based on these assessments. He defines and calls the reader to actions such as planning sieges, effectively forming your army, using force, maneuvering your army, using espionage and fire attacks, and a host of other related behaviors. Although contradictory to the title of the book, Sun Tzu’s primary message is that the peak efficiency of knowledge and strategy come from either avoiding conflict or making it unnecessary altogether. He writes, “To overcome others’ armies without fighting is the best of skills.” In conveying this message Sun Tzu does not attempt to persuade one to back down or run away from conflict. He is instead suggesting that if one strategically assesses the situation effectively, one should be able to defeat the opponent with one’s mind, only having to exert a minimum physical effort. Other key messages Sun Tzu elaborates on include anger and greed being fundamental causes of defeat and that the actual art of war is dependant on how well one can operate outside the sphere of emotional influence on determining how and when to maneuver. Sun Tzu highlights discipline and focus as behaviors that should be exemplified at all times, especially by a military leader or general. In so many words he explains that there is little room for error in engaging in battle and one, as well as one’s army, must be disciplined and focused enough to make every adjustment necessary. While primarily based on physical warfare, Sun Tzu’s philosophies from the Art of War can be viewed from many perspectives. The book allows a read that can be understood and applied to everyday struggles. Sun Tzu’s work has and will remain as one of the key manuals to achieving success or victory in any circumstance.