The Art of War

Original Texts by Sun Tzu Translated by Samuel B. Griffith

The King of Wu reaches out to Sun Tzu

Chu

Wu

13 Chapters (or pin) in a collection or chronicle (zhun)

I. Estimates II. Waging War III. Offensive Strategy IV. Dispositions V. Energy VI. Weaknesses & Strengths VII. Maneuver VIII.The Nine Variables IX. Marches X. Terrain XI. The Nine Varieties of Ground XII. Attack by Fire XIII.Employment of Secret Agents

Favorite Verses:
Ch. 1, Verses 17- 27 17. All warfare is based on deception. 18. Therefore, when capable, feign incapacity; when active, inactivity. 19. When near, make it appear that you are far away; when far away, that you are near. 20. Offer the enemy a bait to lure him; feign disorder and strike him. 21. When he concentrates, prepare against him; where he is strong, avoid him. 22. Anger his general and confuse him. 23. Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance. 24. Keep him under a strain and wear him down. 25. When he is united, divide him. 26. Attack where he is unprepared; sally out when he does not expect you. 27. These are the strategists keys to victory. It is not possible to discuss them beforehand.

Reflections
What were my biggest takeaways? 3 Keys Principles Guiding Sun Tzu 1. If you know your enemy and yourself, you shall win limitless battles 2. To win limitless battles is not the height of skill; to subdue the enemy without fighting is. 3. Avoid what is strong, attack what is weak. Are Mays Core Competencies present within The Art of War? Problem Solving, Creating New Opportunities, Leading, Managing, and Communication Not so much regarding Working with Others or Acting Ethically Correlation to business world? Yes, but not literally. The teaching of Sun Tzu are just as applicable to competing companies as they are to warring armies. Recommend for others to read? Absolutely! You are doing yourself a disservice otherwise.

Questions?