Sun Tzu Art of War: The REAL Meaning Behind Hard Work

What is the definition of hard work?

What does hard work mean to Sun Tzu, the legendary military strategist, in his "Art of War" philosophy?

To most people, hard work is...

Hard work means putting a lot of time, effort, and labor into the activity you do.

There is a lot of meaning behind "hard work." Also, there is a difference between hard work and working hard. Most people see it as the same.

Let's explore what the meaning behind hard work is.

People, in general, celebrate or glorify those who put in all the time and sweat into their work.

This mindset has a bad side, which is that it creates a hustle culture, where achieving one's goals requires working long and arduous hours.

However, glorifying hard work is typical of the ordinary person. A successful thinker or strategist views hard work differently.

While hard work is crucial for achieving success, the way an ordinary person and a successful person define hard work differs.

What does "hard work" mean to Sun Tzu based on his Art of War philosophy?

As a renowned military strategist who lived 2500 years ago, Sun Tzu's approach to warfare is deeply rooted in the principles of efficiency and strategic planning.

He does not believe in "hard work" in engaging prolonged battles, as he firmly believes that such efforts are not only impractical but also extremely costly.

In his view, the act of fighting hard and dragging out conflicts can lead to significant financial burdens, resource depletion, and the tragic loss of soldiers, all of which can have devastating effects on a nation’s military capabilities.

Indeed, hard work in the context of war comes with a range of expenses. Engaging in a drawn-out conflict can drain a nation's treasury, forcing it to allocate vast sums of money toward sustaining military operations.

The resources required for such efforts—be it supplies, equipment, or logistical support—will inevitably dwindle over time.

In the Art of War, Sun Tzu said,

Those who do not understand the damages of war cannot thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.

One should not look only at hard work but understand the cost and effort to compete or achieve one's goal.

As Sun Tzu says, in warfare, it is important to develop effective strategies that lead to victory without unnecessary expenditure of resources.

Instead of relying on brute force and sheer hard work, he advocates for the pursuit of strategies that are both efficient and cost-effective. This approach not only conserves resources but also maximizes the chances of success.

The cost of hard work consists of various factors such as time, money, effort, and opportunity costs.

Each effort expended in the context of warfare should be carefully weighed against the potential benefits. It is crucial to assess the probability of winning and the tangible gains that can be achieved through one's efforts.

This analytical approach is central to Sun Tzu's teachings and acts as a guiding principle for military leaders aiming to manage the complexities of warfare.

Does it mean Sun Tzu does not believe in "Hard Work"?

Contrary to a superficial interpretation, Sun Tzu does indeed believe in the value of hard work; however, he suggests that such effort must be directed towards the right objectives.

He believes that the key is not the effort of working hard, but what hard work you are focusing on. Sun Tzu says,

The general who makes many calculations in his temple wins the battle. The general who makes few calculations loses the battle.

Many calculations must be done to lead to victory, and few calculations lead to defeat.

The more time and effort one invests in their "hard work" in strategic calculations and assessments. Followed by preparations and meticulous planning, the greater the likelihood of achieving one's objectives.

For Sun Tzu, hard work is not just about physical exertion or relentless effort; it is fundamentally about the intellectual labor involved in devising effective strategies and anticipating the moves of the opponent.

As a military strategist, Sun Tzu dedicated considerable "hard work" to the realms of planning, preparation, and the thoughtful consideration of various strategies designed to secure victory.

He understood that success in warfare relies heavily on the ability to outthink opponents rather than simply outfight them.

When one channels their hard work into the right efforts—those that prioritize strategic foresight and calculated decision-making—success becomes much more attainable.

It is time for you to reflect on your own approach to hard work and strategy, considering whether your efforts are aligned with the principles that lead to effective outcomes.

What does hard work mean to you?

Does hard work involve physical effort and time, or is it about thinking strategically to succeed?

I leave you with this profound quote from Sun Tzu's philosophy,

In ancient times, a good fighter was one who not only won but excelled in winning with ease.

The effort of winning seems effortless because all the "hard work" is done strategically behind the scenes, not through hard work fighting the enemy head-on.

Therefore, his victories bring him neither a reputation for wisdom nor credit for the merit of bravery.

Sun Tzu expresses that the victory is so effortless that the general gains no reputation. And no award of bravery because there is no hard work in fighting.

The emphasis is on the effort and spending time of strategy and execution to win through efficiency and effectiveness.

He wins the battle by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, which means conquering the enemy that is already defeated.

Fighting in war should be effortless, as though you have already won the war.

Success relies entirely on the strategy. The hard work is on the strategy.