Self-Reliance and Self-Sufficiency Using The Art of War Strategy

Following Art of War philosophy, we accept that there are competition around us.

In order to thrive or even to survive...

It is essential we aim to be self-reliant and self-sufficient.

It is not always you have a friend that will and can help. With the worlds of heavy competition, your friend also may need your help.

Although achieving complete self-reliance and self-sufficiency is challenging, one should consistently strive for this objective.

Let's look deeper...

What is self-reliant?

Self-reliant means you have the ability to perform a job and solve problems independently. This means using your own skills, knowledge, and available resources without needing assistance or support from others.

You are independent and have full control of your actions.

It represents a mindset of confidence and the ability to handle one's own life and challenges effectively.

The term "self" covers not only you as the individual but can also refer to your company, community, state, or even an entire country.

For example, a self-reliant community might effectively manage its resources and support systems to ensure the well-being of its members without relying heavily on outside assistance.

Similarly, a self-reliant nation strives to maintain its economic stability and security through local production, innovation, and sustainable practices.

In the Art of War philosophy, we learn that countries compete for more land, wealth and security.

Do not expect any help from other countries unless you have something to trade with them or if they find you useful.

Bilateral ties between two different countries depend on mutual benefits. So, it is essential to be self-reliant first before becoming useful.

What is self-sufficient?

For a country to achieve wealth and success, pursuing self-sufficiency is key.

So, from being self-reliant, one should progress to being self-sufficient.

What we can learn from The Art of War is that, when there are wars going on, for your country to sustain itself, the country needs to be self-sufficient.

For instance, during a conflict in an oil-producing area, such as the war in Iran, a blockade occurs in the Straits of Hormuz. This prevents ships from obtaining oil and gas.

For a nation to achieve self-sufficiency, it must ensure the security of its energy, food, water, and defense systems.

Sufficient energy is necessary to prevent any disruptions in operations and development. The nation should have food and water reserves that can last for several months, along with adequate food production to sustain its population.

Additionally, a robust defense system is essential to protect the country from potential invaders.

Achieving self-sufficiency can lead to a surplus, allowing the country to accumulate wealth through trade by selling its excess resources.

The Importance of Self-Reliance & Self-Sufficiency

For an individual, when competition for jobs and business is so intense, there is not enough for everyone.

Being self-reliant gives you the independence and capability to operate by yourself if there is no help available. Nothing can hold you back from achieving your objectives.

While looking for the right people to assist you, you can do it yourself.

After self-reliance, you strive for self-sufficiency. With self-sufficiency, you will never lack resources. People who lack resources can become desperate or needy. People who are not self-sufficient can easily be exploited by other people.

Self-sufficiency offers security and safety. Having adequate resources allows you to broaden your ambitions to acquire more, without the concern of losing your wealth.

This also applies to countries. Based on the Art of War philosophy, a state or country must aim to be self-reliant and self-sufficient.

Today we live in a turbulent world with many conflicts between nations. Because of that, many countries choose to operate more as a closed economy, which restricts trade and collaboration.

Nations become more self-centered, prioritizing their own protection. During this time, countries in need of assistance may struggle to receive help unless there are mutual benefits involved.

Whether it is a country, company, or you as an individual, it is important to work towards being self-reliant and self-sufficient.

How To Be Self-Reliant and Self-Sufficient.

a) Self-Reliant and Self-Sufficient for the individual

To achieve self-reliance, an individual needs to

1. Learn new skills and

2. Acquire additional knowledge and experience

The greater your self-reliance, the more independent you become. Self-reliance relies on one's personal effort.

However, when there is scarcity in the marketplace, where there is not enough for everyone, then the person has to fight or compete for it.

Then, to be self-sufficient, we seek to accumulate wealth and resources. This is done by working or running a business.

However, when there is scarcity in the marketplace, where there is not enough for everyone, then the person has to fight or compete for it.

b) Self-Reliant and Self-Sufficient for the country

On a national level, self-reliance and self-sufficiency are achieved building strength from within the nation.

This quote by Sun Tzu, written in his book "The Art of War," explains it.

Those who are invincible defend; Those who are victorious attack the enemy.

Standing on the defensive means not enough strength; attack means abundant strength.

A country that is self-reliant can defend itself. When a country is self-sufficient, it has all the resources and capability to go to war.

A country can be self-reliant when they:

1. Build infrastructures that can support the country and

2. Workforce are sufficient and capable of running the country.

3. Very capable military force.

Self-reliant means not needing any help or needing minimal help, as the country has the capacity and capability to run without any assistance.

Ultimately, a country or state must achieve self-sufficiency, which means having enough food reserves and production for its people, energy resources to sustain the country's growth, and military equipment and weapons for defense and offense.

A country may resort to war when it cannot achieve self-sufficiency internally, but has enough military capability to wage wars.

In "The Art of War," conflict is seen as a final option, undertaken only when it is the last resort and when there is a potential benefit.

Sun Tzu, in "The Art of War" said,

To kill the enemy is because of burst of rage, but to take advantage of defeating the enemy is to gain over their wealth.

In modern times, you see a lot of conflict because of gaining resources like oil and gas and rare earth minerals. As these resources are needed to build and grow the countries who wants to obtain them.

Ultimately, the principles of self-reliance and self-sufficiency are vital at both the personal and national levels, promoting a sense of autonomy and the ability to thrive in an ever-changing world.