Sun Tzu Philosophy: Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People

We learn to be good people. Why do bad things happen then?

Let's discover why bad things happen to good people and Sun Tzu's philosophy and strategy.

Some people say bad things happen because God is teaching us, it is karma, or it is one's fate.

Everyone have their opinions of why bad things happen to them.

But what can we do as good guys to stop bad things from happening to us?

Are good people attracting bad things?

While good people can learn from "bad things" that happen to them, it is also good to do a post-mortem on why bad things happen and what we can do about them.

As the author of "The Art of War," Sun Tzu's philosophy quotes,

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will not worry about the results of a hundred battles.

For all good people, you need to have self-awareness. Know yourself and understand your character.

Next, know your "enemy," which means know who is your genuine friend and who is a negative, toxic friend.

Let's explore the possible reasons why good people often seem to attract unfortunate events.

People with good character possess positive personality traits, but these qualities often attract opportunists who exploit their nature.

Let's breakdown the positive traits of good people and see the downside of being good or nice.

Selflessness -

A good person embodies the essence of selflessness, consistently prioritizing the needs and well-being of others above their own. This altruistic nature compels them to go out of their way, often putting themselves in challenging situations, to offer help and support in various ways.

They engage in acts of kindness, whether it be lending a listening ear, providing physical assistance, or offering emotional support, all without expecting anything in return.

Their actions are driven by a belief that treating others with kindness fosters a culture of reciprocity. This mindset is rooted in the conviction that being nice and generous is both a moral obligation and an honorable life path. They find joy in others' happiness, seeing their contributions as a way to improve the world.

However, it's essential to recognize that neglecting one's own needs can lead to significant challenges. When a person dedicates too much energy and time to serving others, they may unintentionally deplete their own emotional and physical resources.

This self-neglect can manifest in various problems, such as burnout, resentment, or a sense of being undervalued.

The balance between selflessness and self-care is crucial; a good person must learn to care for themselves to continue being effective and supportive to those around them.

Honest, open, and truthful -

A good person is characterized by their commitment to honesty. They are transparent in their interactions, sharing their thoughts and feelings openly without concealing any secrets.

This quality allows them to build trust and foster genuine relationships. They understand the importance of speaking their mind and conveying the truth, even when it may be uncomfortable for others.

However, the harsh reality is that not everyone is equipped to handle the truth gracefully. Some individuals may react defensively or take offense when confronted with honesty, leading to potential misunderstandings or conflicts.

For example, when someone asks a question, a good person will speak the truth. However, the person asking the question only wants validation and wants to hear the answer he or she wants to hear.

Sometimes the truth can offend and make enemies.

Honest and open individuals often become informal "information centers" within their network. People are naturally drawn to them, seeking their opinions and insights on various matters.

This role can be a double-edged sword; while it is gratifying to be relied upon for guidance, there is a risk that if the information provided is perceived as inaccurate or unhelpful, it can lead to frustration and even animosity.

Thus, the responsibility of being truthful comes with the weight of ensuring that the information shared is as accurate and constructive as possible.

It just makes good people tired and energy drained.

Humble -

Humility is another hallmark of a good person. They tend to downplay their achievements and capabilities, often attributing their successes to luck or the support of others rather than their own talents.

This modesty can lead to a situation where their skills and potential go unnoticed, as those around them may overlook their contributions in favor of more self-promoting individuals.

Consequently, while humility is a virtue, it can also hinder personal advancement, as those who are more vocal about their talents may receive recognition and opportunities that the humble person deserves but does not actively seek.

Others get to climb the corporate ladder, while you are left behind.

Friendly and kind -

A good person approaches everyone with a spirit of friendliness and kindness, treating all individuals with equal respect and compassion.

They understand that kindness can create a ripple effect, fostering goodwill and positive interactions.

However, it is vital to acknowledge that not everyone will respond in kind. Some individuals may misinterpret friendliness as a sign of weakness, perceiving the good person as an easy target for manipulation or bullying.

This discrepancy can create a complex dynamic where kindness is exploited rather than appreciated, leading to potential emotional distress for the kind-hearted individual.

Generous -

Generosity can manifest in various forms, including the willingness to give away material possessions, share financial resources, or impart knowledge and insights.

A generous person finds fulfillment in helping others, believing that sharing what they have enriches both their lives and the lives of those around them.

However, it is crucial to recognize that not everyone will appreciate or reciprocate acts of generosity.

Some may take advantage of the good intentions behind these gestures, using the information or resources against the giver or failing to express gratitude.

This reality necessitates a thoughtful approach to generosity, where one must learn to share selectively and strategically, ensuring that their kindness is directed toward those who genuinely value it.

While sharing knowledge and advice can be beneficial, it is essential to be discerning, as some information can be misused with harmful intent.

Respectful -

Giving respect to others is a fundamental aspect of being a good person. However, it is important to be aware that some individuals may misconstrue the respect they receive as a sign of superiority.

They might perceive the good person as lowering themselves in acknowledgment of their status, leading to an imbalance in the relationship. This perception can result in the recipient of respect treating the good person as inferior, potentially exploiting their kindness and looking down upon them.

It is crucial for a good person to maintain their self-worth and ensure that their respect for others does not lead to their own diminishment or mistreatment.

Good and virtuous people need to balance between their self-interest and others.

In the journey of life, being a good and kind person, you must navigate the delicate balance between self-interest and being kind and generous.

This balancing act is crucial, as it ensures that while you strive to help others, do not neglect your own well-being and mental health.

Concentrating on oneself is not an act of selfishness; rather, it is a necessary step to cultivate a strong foundation from which one can effectively extend kindness and support to others.

Before engaging in charity or virtuous deeds, it is vital to build a robust defense against the potential negativity that can arise from interacting with individuals who may not have the same generous intentions.

In this context, it is essential to recognize the presence of negative individuals in our lives. These are often people who, driven by envy, jealousy, egotism, or selfishness, may seek to exploit the kindness of others for their own gain.

Such individuals can drain your energy and enthusiasm, even when you have a compassionate heart, it will lead to feelings of frustration and disillusionment.

So, all good people should be discerning in their interactions and establish boundaries that safeguard their emotional and mental well-being. This approach ensures that your acts of kindness are sincere and not simply reactions to external pressures or manipulations.

As the ancient strategist Sun Tzu wisely stated in his philosophy, The Art of War,

Good fighters in the past first put themselves in an invincible position and then waited for the opportunity to be victorious when the enemy was vulnerable.

This principle can be applied not just in the realm of warfare but also in the interpersonal dynamics of kindness and virtue.

Just as a skilled fighter prepares himself strategically, good individuals must also equip themselves with the necessary tools and defenses to navigate social interactions effectively.

This involves cultivating self-awareness, understanding one’s own values, and recognizing when to step back from harmful relationships. A strong defense against toxic and negative people is not merely about physical or emotional distance; it also covers developing resilience and a clear sense of purpose that guides one’s actions and decisions.

While it is important to maintain a heightened awareness of one’s surroundings and the people within them, it is equally essential to actively build a strong defense against those who may seek to undermine one’s efforts.

This can be achieved through various means, such as surrounding oneself with positive influences, engaging in self-care practices, and fostering relationships with those who share similar values of kindness and integrity.

By surrounding themselves with uplifting individuals, good people can create a supportive network that reinforces their virtuous work and helps them remain resilient in their commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

As a good and virtuous individual, continue to do good work, and you will be rewarded in many possible ways.

There are always bad characters around us, and that does not mean we cannot do good deeds.

As Sun Tzu says,

You, as the commander, stand for the virtues of wisdom, trustworthiness, benevolence, courage, and strictness.

Be kind and generous, and at the same time, you must have wisdom in your actions. Do not forget to be firm and strict if needed.

Follow the Art of War. We share with you wisdom that helps you navigate your journey in a competitive world.

Live life with your purpose, but do not forget to use your wisdom.