What is The Art of War About?

The Art of War is all about strategies for winning.

When people think about the Art of War, they think of winning by fighting. If it is not about fighting, then what is the art of war about?

The Art of War is a book on strategy.

A strategy allows you to devise a plan to help you reach your success.

The Art of War is a book of strategy written by the ancient Chinese strategist Sun Tzu approximately 2500 years ago. It is a military book that was written for kings and generals.

Now, what is The Art of War all about?

Inside the Art of War by Sun Tzu, it teaches you all the factors you need to consider to win.

The main teachings in the book "The Art of War" discuss:

1. Assessment

Sun Tzu stresses the importance of making an assessment before making any decisions.

In his Art of War book he listed 5 factors you need to consider before making any decisions.

Sun Tzu quoted,

The art of war is ruled by five heavenly factors to be appraised in one's actions when determining the situation on the field.

These are 1) Politics; 2) Heaven; 3) Earth; 4) The Commander; 5) Rules & Regulation.

Politics refers to the political situation in your country or organization. Where the emperor have to ensure the people in his kingdom is aligned with his governance.

Heaven refers to the weather, be it hot or cold, and the four seasons. It is refer to situations that are beyond one's control. By understanding the factors that you cannot control.

Earth is the terrain you are going to march your army on. It can be a terrain that is an open field, narrow pass, or a situation that is dangerous or safe.

The commander refers to the commander leading the army to battle. Assessment needs to be taken on the skills, experience, and wisdom of the commander.

Lastly is the Rules and Regulations refer to your army management and resources. It can be your logistics, financial resources, and army organisation.

2. Comparison

After making the assessment, Sun Tzu discuss about making a comparison with the enemy and study what your chances of winning.

Sun Tzu makes a comparison in this order,

1. Which of the two rulers is judicious?

2. Which of the two generals is more capable

3. Who has the advantage gained from Heaven and Earth?

4. Which soldiers are more disciplined?

5. Which army is stronger?

6. Which side has more highly trained officers and soldiers?

7. In which army is both reward and punishment being enforced?

   
   

By making a comparison, you will know whether you can gain victory against your opponent.

3. Deception

The Art of War is all about deception. It is all about getting the opponent to be caught off guard.

As Sun Tzu said,

All warfare is based on deception.

Hence, when capable of attack, we must seem incapable; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

You must pretend so that the enemy is unaware that you are capable of attacking. So you attack the enemy when the enemy is unprepared.

4. Measurement

Sun Tzu mentioned,

The general who makes many calculations in his temple wins the battle. The general who makes few calculations beforehand loses the battle. Many calculations must be done to lead to victory, and few calculations lead to defeat.

Sun Tzu mentioned a few times in his Art of War book that the commander must make a lot of calculations before making any decisions.

The Art of War is all about making a through study of the opponent. From assessing, comparing and then measuring the options that are available to fight the opponent.

Lastly, to measure the probability of winning in the most economical, profitable, and efficient way.

Sun Tzu's Art of War philosophy is,

Winning The War Without Fighting

Sun Tzu said,

The skillful general subdues the enemy's troops without fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; and he overthrows their kingdom without prolonged operations in the field.

With his forces intact, he will dispute the Empire's mastery, and thus, without losing a man, his triumph will be complete. This is the method of attacking by stratagem.

The Art of War is all about winning using strategies.

Sun Tzu, in his "Art of War," emphasized winning through strategy rather than a direct attack.

He advocated for the need to be cunning, have foresight, and use psychological acumen over sheer force.

Please do not see the Art of War is all about in the battle field.

Sun Tzu Art of War is all about strategies.

The Art of War influences business, sports, and personal development, where strategic thinking is key to success. His legacy highlights the power of strategy in any competitive field.

To win, you need a strategy. That's the meaning of The Art Of War.