Sun Tzu's The Art of War | Overview & Summary

Summary

This video script offers a simplified overview of Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War,' covering its 13 chapters and military strategies. It delves into principles like planning, resource management, and the importance of intelligence. The script suggests applying these ancient tactics to modern fields, such as business, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Sun Tzu's wisdom in strategy and competition.

Takeaways

• 😌 Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War' provides strategic principles applicable beyond warfare, including in business and personal life.
• 🏰 Chapter one emphasizes the importance of careful planning and understanding both your own and your enemy's strengths and weaknesses before engaging in conflict.
• 💡 The concept of 'The Way' in chapter one suggests that moral righteousness and leadership can significantly influence the outcome of a battle.
• 💸 Chapter two, 'Waging War', advises on the prudent use of resources, advocating for swift strikes to minimize costs and损耗.
• 🔥 Chapter three, 'Attack by Stratagem', reinforces the idea of strategic, non-destructive warfare, focusing on political victory over physical destruction.
• ⚔️ 'Tactical Dispositions' in chapter four discusses the strategic timing of offensive and defensive maneuvers, highlighting the importance of quick and decisive action.
• 🌊 Chapter five, 'Use of Energy', likens managing an army to controlling rivers and streams, stressing the need for strategic deployment and exploitation of weaknesses.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Chapter six, 'Weak Points and Strong', advises on creating favorable circumstances and forcing the enemy into a position of weakness.
• 📢 'Maneuvering' in chapter seven is about commanding an obedient army, with effective communication and the recognition of individual troop capabilities.
• 🗺️ Chapter eight, 'Variation of Tactics', acknowledges the need for flexibility in strategy based on different situations and the potential pitfalls of rigid decision-making.
• ⛰️ 'Classification of Terrain' in chapter ten educates on reading the battlefield, with various types of terrain offering distinct tactical advantages and challenges.
• 🔍 Chapter eleven, 'The Nine Situations', outlines different scenarios an army might encounter, each with unique strategic considerations.
• 🔥 Chapter twelve, 'The Attack by Fire', metaphorically discusses the use of 'fire' as a weapon, emphasizing the importance of timing and adaptation.
• 🕵️‍♀️ The final chapter, 'Use of Spies', underscores the critical role of intelligence in warfare, detailing various types of spies and their strategic applications.

Q & A

Who is Sun Tzu and what is his significance?

Sun Tzu, born as Sun Wu around 540 BC, is a historical figure whose exact origins are debated. He is known for rising to the rank of a general and authoring 'The Art of War,' a military treatise that has had a profound impact on military strategy and tactics for centuries.

What are the main themes discussed in the first chapter of 'The Art of War'?

The first chapter, 'Laying Plans,' emphasizes the seriousness of war and the importance of careful consideration before engaging in conflict. It introduces the concept of 'The Way,' which relates to the moral stance of a military leader, and the idea of understanding both your own and your enemy's strengths and weaknesses.

What is the key takeaway from the second chapter, 'Waging War'?

The second chapter advises against the reckless use of resources such as money and human lives. It stresses the importance of striking quickly to minimize the impact on the treasury and to avoid the attrition of supplies and troops.

How does Sun Tzu view the destruction of enemy resources in warfare?

Sun Tzu advises against the wanton destruction of enemy resources. Instead, he suggests utilizing the enemy's resources wisely, such as using their supplies and potentially incorporating their soldiers into your own ranks.

What are the five essentials for strategic planning mentioned in 'Attack by Stratagem'?

The five essentials for strategic planning are knowing when to fight and when not to, understanding how to deploy an army and where, having united officers and men, being prepared for any surprise, and having a general who can make independent decisions without political interference.

How does Sun Tzu describe the concept of 'ying and yang' in the context of warfare?

Sun Tzu uses the concept of 'ying and yang' to describe the ebb and flow of offensive and defensive strategies. He suggests that attacking can make you vulnerable, while defending can make you invulnerable, and a skillful general seeks victory without necessarily engaging in battle.

What is the significance of managing an army's energy as discussed in 'Use of Energy'?

Managing an army's energy is about effectively utilizing the different units of an army. Sun Tzu compares it to the flow of rivers and streams, emphasizing the importance of directing forces to exploit weak points in the enemy's defense or to bait them into a trap.

Why is secrecy important in warfare according to Sun Tzu?

Secrecy is crucial in warfare because it prevents the enemy from anticipating your moves and defending against them. By keeping your plans secret, you can force the enemy to defend all potential points of attack, thus weakening their overall defense.

What does Sun Tzu say about the importance of terrain in military strategy?

Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing terrain to gain a strategic advantage. He outlines various types of terrain and how they can affect military operations, advising generals to secure high ground, avoid entangling ground, and use the terrain to their advantage.

How does Sun Tzu define the 'Nine Situations' and their impact on warfare?

The 'Nine Situations' are scenarios that an army might encounter, which can affect strategy and tactics. These include dispersive, facile, contentious, open, intersecting, heavy, intractable, enclosed, and desperate ground, each with its own implications for how a general should approach combat.

What role do spies play in Sun Tzu's strategy, and what are the different types of spies?

Spies play a vital role in gathering intelligence about the enemy, according to Sun Tzu. He categorizes spies into five types: local spies, internal spies, double agents, doomed spies (who spread false information), and live spies (who infiltrate and return with information).

Outlines

00:00

📜 Introduction to Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War'

The video script begins with an introduction to 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu, providing a simplified overview of the 13 chapters and their principles. It delves into the historical ambiguity surrounding Sun Tzu's life, including his birth, origins, and the debate over whether he was a single individual or a collective identity. Sun Tzu's rise to the rank of general and his authorship of the military guide are highlighted. The script mentions the 1910 translation by Lionel Giles, which aimed to correct previous English translations' omissions and inaccuracies. Chapter one, 'Laying Plans,' emphasizes the seriousness of war, the importance of careful consideration before engaging in conflict, and the evaluation of strengths and weaknesses to predict outcomes. The concept of 'the Way' as a moral stance influencing military command is introduced, along with strategies for gaining intelligence on the enemy while obscuring one's own capabilities.

05:01

🏰 Strategic Planning and Resource Management

Chapter two, 'Waging War,' is discussed, focusing on the meticulous planning and resource management required for warfare. Sun Tzu advises against reckless use of finite resources like money and lives, advocating for swift strikes to minimize the impact on the treasury. The chapter also covers the practical aspects of war, such as the number of horses and troops, and the importance of using the enemy's resources wisely. Chapter three, 'Attack by Stratagem,' reinforces the idea of strategic destruction, suggesting that it's more beneficial to politically undermine the enemy rather than physically destroy them. Sun Tzu provides specific strategies for attacking based on the size of one's forces relative to the enemy's, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to fight and when to retreat. The chapter concludes with five essentials for strategic planning, including knowing when to engage in battle, effective troop deployment, unity among officers and men, readiness for surprises, and the need for a decisive general.

10:04

⚔️ Tactical Dispositions and Energy Management

Chapter four, 'Tactical Dispositions,' explores the concept of ying and yang in warfare, discussing the strategic choices of advancing or defending. Sun Tzu uses imagery of moving under the Earth when defending and striking from the heavens when attacking, emphasizing the importance of a quick and decisive attack. The chapter also touches on the idea that a skillful general seeks victory, not battle, and that the best fights are those that never take place due to correct strategic positioning. Chapter five, 'Use of Energy,' delves into managing large armies by dividing them into units with specific purposes and understanding how to effectively use them. Sun Tzu compares military directives to the ebb and flow of rivers and streams, highlighting the importance of adapting tactics based on observed weaknesses in the enemy's forces. The chapter also emphasizes the significance of secrecy in planning and the need to exploit the enemy's vulnerabilities.

15:06

🌄 Terrain Analysis and Army Dynamics

Chapter six, 'Weak Points and Strong,' discusses the importance of understanding and exploiting the strengths and weaknesses of both one's own army and the enemy's. Sun Tzu advises forcing the enemy into a position of weakness and exploiting their vulnerabilities, such as starvation or forcing them to adjust their steadfast positions. The chapter underscores the importance of secrecy in planning to prevent the enemy from defending against anticipated attacks. Chapter seven, 'Maneuvering,' focuses on the practical aspects of commanding an army, including the physical movement of troops and the balance between pushing for an advantage and avoiding exhaustion. Sun Tzu also discusses the importance of discipline and obedience within the ranks, using the story of training an army of concubines to illustrate the point. The chapter also covers various methods of communication in different circumstances and the importance of recognizing and addressing weaknesses within one's own forces.

🔥 Fire and Spies: Advanced Warfare Strategies

Chapter twelve, 'The Attack by Fire,' discusses the use of fire as a weapon in warfare, detailing five ways to employ fire effectively against enemy soldiers, supplies, and communication lines. Sun Tzu advises on the preparation and timing of fire attacks, as well as how to adapt to the changing conditions once fire has been set. The chapter also touches on the use of water as an alternative tactic when fire is not feasible. Chapter thirteen, 'Use of Spies,' emphasizes the importance of intelligence in warfare, outlining five types of spies and their roles in gathering information about the enemy. Sun Tzu stresses the value of well-treated and well-compensated spies, as their intelligence is crucial for strategic decision-making and can lead to bloodless victories. The chapter concludes with a summary of the thirteen chapters, highlighting the applicability of Sun Tzu's tactics in modern contexts, such as business competition, and invites viewers to share their experiences with these strategies.

Keywords

💡Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu, also known as Sun Wu, is the attributed author of 'The Art of War,' a Chinese treatise on military strategy believed to have been written around 540 BC. The video script discusses his historical ambiguity, suggesting that the name could represent multiple individuals or an amalgamation of notable strategists. Sun Tzu's principles are central to the video's theme, as they form the basis for the strategic insights and applications discussed throughout.

💡The Art of War

'The Art of War' is a foundational text in military strategy, attributed to Sun Tzu. The video script provides a simplified overview of its 13 chapters, highlighting principles that extend beyond warfare into various modern applications. The book's teachings are integral to the video's narrative, illustrating timeless strategies that can be adapted to business and personal life.

💡Strategy

Strategy, as discussed in the video, refers to the careful planning and positioning of resources to achieve a specific goal, often in competition with an adversary. It is a key concept in 'The Art of War,' where Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of understanding both one's own capabilities and those of the enemy. The video uses examples from the book to demonstrate how strategic thinking can lead to victory in various contexts.

💡Moral Stance (The Way)

The 'Way' in Sun Tzu's philosophy refers to the moral and ethical principles that guide a ruler or general. It is mentioned in the video as a significant factor in determining the strength and unity of an army. A righteous and virtuous leader is more likely to command respect and loyalty, which can be a decisive advantage in warfare and other competitive scenarios.

💡Resource Management

Resource management is a critical theme in the video, drawing from Sun Tzu's teachings on the efficient use of troops, supplies, and finances. The video emphasizes the importance of not using resources recklessly and the need to strike quickly to minimize损耗. This concept is illustrated through the discussion of the second chapter, 'Waging War,' where the focus is on the prudent allocation of finite resources.

💡Attrition

Attrition in the context of the video refers to the gradual loss of strength, resources, or personnel due to prolonged conflict or competition. Sun Tzu advises against prolonged warfare to avoid the depletion of an army's vitality and supplies, a strategy that can be applied to minimize losses in any sustained endeavor.

💡Tactical Dispositions

Tactical dispositions, as discussed in the video, involve the decisions a general makes regarding when to attack or defend, influenced by the principles of yin and yang. The video explains how Sun Tzu advocates for a balanced approach, where the choice to advance or defend is made with an understanding of the potential vulnerabilities and opportunities presented by each option.

💡Use of Energy

In the video, 'Use of Energy' is a chapter that focuses on the management and deployment of an army's forces. Sun Tzu's teachings emphasize the importance of directing troops effectively, exploiting weaknesses, and maintaining flexibility. The video connects this concept to modern leadership and organizational strategies, where the efficient use of human resources can lead to success.

💡Maneuvering

Maneuvering, as covered in the video, pertains to the physical movement and command of troops during military operations. The script discusses the importance of discipline, communication, and the ability to adapt to different circumstances. It also touches on the story of Sun Tzu training an army of concubines, highlighting the necessity for troops to obey commands for effective maneuvering.

💡Variation of Tactics

Variation of tactics is a concept from 'The Art of War' that emphasizes the need for adaptability and the ability to change strategies based on the situation. The video script explains how different circumstances may call for different approaches, and it warns against the pitfalls of rigidity in strategy, such as recklessness or excessive compassion, which can lead to failure.

💡Terrain

Terrain, in the context of the video, refers to the physical landscape and its impact on military strategy. Sun Tzu's teachings on terrain are detailed in the script, where he outlines various types of terrain and the strategic advantages or disadvantages they present. The video connects this concept to the importance of understanding and utilizing one's environment in any competitive situation.

Highlights

Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War' provides a simplified overview of 13 chapters with principles applicable to modern fields.

Sun Tzu, born Sun Wu around 540 BC, is a figure with disputed historical details.

Sun Tzu's military guide has been translated multiple times, with Lionel Giles' 1910 translation being a notable version.

Chapter one emphasizes the seriousness of war and the importance of careful planning and preparation.

The concept of 'The Way' in warfare is introduced as a moral stance influencing a general's command.

Sun Tzu advises generals to understand their enemy while obscuring their own capabilities.

Chapter two, 'Waging War,' discusses the prudent use of resources, advocating for quick strikes to minimize costs.

Utilizing enemy resources wisely is highlighted as a strategic advantage.

Chapter three, 'Attack by Stratagem,' advises on when to engage in battle based on troop numbers and conditions.

Five essentials for strategic planning are outlined, focusing on knowing when to fight and effective troop deployment.

Chapter four, 'Tactical Dispositions,' explores the concept of advancing and defending with an emphasis on quick, decisive action.

Chapter five, 'Use of Energy,' compares managing an army to rivers and streams, stressing the importance of directing forces effectively.

Chapter six, 'Weak Points and Strong,' discusses creating favorable circumstances and exploiting enemy weaknesses.

Secrecy in battle plans is crucial to avoid revealing weaknesses to the enemy.

Chapter seven, 'Maneuvering,' details the importance of obedience within an army and the consequences of disobedience.

Chapter eight, 'Variation of Tactics,' warns of the pitfalls generals can encounter when choosing tactics.

Chapter nine, 'The Army on the March,' provides specific instructions for camping and engaging with the enemy based on terrain.

Chapter ten, 'Classification of Terrain,' educates on reading the landscape for strategic advantages.

Sun Tzu identifies non-natural factors that can harm an army, such as poor leadership and disorganization.

Chapter eleven, 'The Nine Situations,' describes various scenarios an army might encounter and how to navigate them.

Chapter twelve, 'The Attack by Fire,' discusses the use of fire as a weapon and strategies for employing it effectively.

Chapter thirteen, 'Use of Spies,' emphasizes the importance of intelligence gathering and categorizes different types of spies.

Sun Tzu's principles from 'The Art of War' are applicable to modern business strategies and personal life.

Transcripts

So now let’s get to the outline of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War.

This is going to be a simplified overview, outlining the 13 chapters and some basic principles

that we can learn from them, applying them to a variety of modern fields.

Let’s start with a quick rundown of the author.

Born Sun Wu around 540 BC.

I say around because a lot of Sun’s history is disagreed on.

Where he was born is even unclear.

There are conflicting and unreliable stories here, some even questioning if Sun Wu was

one person or an amalgamation of other notable men.

You can understand after 2,500 years if things get lost in translation.

He eventually rose up to become a general, earning the title of Sun Tzu, meaning Master

Sun, and writing the military guide that we’re discussing here today.

Regardless what’s true and real about the man known as Sun Tzu, the book that we’re

talking about is a concrete thing, a real thing.

It’s been translated many times and we’ll use the chapter headings from the 1910 translation

from Lionel Giles, a curator at the British Museum.

He took aim at previous English translations, saying that omissions were frequent and passages

were skipped because they were difficult to translate.

So let’s dive into chapter one: Laying Plans.

War is not a pleasant thing, argues Sun Tzu.

It’s serious. It's about survival.

You should think carefully before engaging.

If a general thinks closely about which side is stronger, has more discipline, which is

better trained and organized, than they can work out who will and who will lose.

If you look at the two sides and your enemy has many advantages and many strengths, the

wise move is to avoid conflict.

You can predict your loss and therefore avoid the loss.

One major factor in this determination is something called the Way, which is about the

moral stance of a side.

If the general is righteous and virtuous, he will likely have more command over his men.

Sun Tzu also flips his idea of strategizing that you should learn all you can about your

opponent, while making your opponent blind to your true state.

If they can’t gauge your strengths and weaknesses, it’s harder for them to succeed in battle.

This whole chapter is planning and preparation.

Chapter two is called Waging War.

This gets into some incredible detail that seems specific but has massive repercussions.

He outlines how many horses you should bring, how many troops should follow a general.

But what he’s saying is that money and human lives are not be used recklessly, they are

both finite resources.

If you wage a huge war, it can be taxing on an army.

They become exhausted, their supplies dwindle.

The key takeaway from this chapter is to strike quickly.

Your army should never need reinforcements or new provisions.

Strike quickly, so that the impact on your treasury will be slight.

Many losses at war are due to the attrition of people and supplies.

This chapter also talks about using the resources of your enemy.

Do not destroy supplies you can use, do not burn food that you can eat, and don’t kill

soldiers that can either give you information or join your own ranks.

This chapter is all about resources and using them wisely, not recklessly.

We move onto chapter three Attack by Stratagem.

This begins by reinforcing the idea of not destroying everything in war.

A city razed to the ground is of little use to, where it’s more beneficial to strategically

destroy them politically and leave the city and people intact.

He then gives some very direct strategies for how to attack based on your army versus another's.

If your forces outnumber the enemy largely, surround them completely.

If it’s five to one, attack them.

At two to one, divide the enemy and fight them that way.

If it’s even, fight them head-on, one on one.

If they outnumber you, hide.

If they outnumber you greatly, escape.

Foolishly fighting a losing battle will end horribly.

Sun Tzu then outlines five essentials to consider in your strategy here.

You must know when to fight and when not to, referencing the strategies I just talked about.

You must know how to deploy an army and where.

You must have united officers and men serving.

You must be prepared for any surprise.

And lastly, you need a general who can make his own decisions without political leaders

interfering without expertise.

None of them essentials talk about more men or more technology.

It’s about strategy and preparation.

He said paraphrased, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result

of a hundred battles.

If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.

If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Chapter four is Tactical Dispositions.

This chapter is all about when to advance and force a battle.

To attack, you become vulnerable, but to defend is to become invulnerable.

The idea of ying and yang is played into here, with an ebb and flow based on your choice

to advance or not.

Sun Tzu even evokes imagery of moving under the Earth when defending and striking from

the heavens when attacking.

There’s also the focus on a quick and decisive attack, that some fights may never take place

on a battlefield, if fought correctly.

A skillful general seeks victory, not battle.

A terrible general seeks battle first.

Chapter five is Use of Energy.

Managing a massive army is just as managing a small one, but Sun Tzu focuses on dividing

them up and knowing each of their purposes.

You must push and pull these units to effectively attack.

If you see a weak point, pushing a unit into that point may collapse the army.

If you pull your forces back and bait the enemy, you can engulf them as they arrive.

Sun Tzu compares this to rivers and streams, ebbing and flowing.

Every directive to your army is either a direct action or an indirect, there’s really nothing

else, he affirms.

How you use your army connects to chapter six, Weak Points and Strong, or strengths

and weaknesses.

In your preparation, you want all the circumstances to favor you and your army.

If you arrive to battle first, your men rest and wait, defending their ground.

If you arrive to battle second, your troops are already tired from marching and now must fight.

Force your opponent into weakness.

A strong army must eat, so how can you starve them?

An army that is steadfast and unmoveable, how can you force their hand to make them adjust?

The defender must defend all lines, making every part weaker, so the general of an army

must make a point to attack only a few points with all their might.

All of this relies on the plan being secret, otherwise the defender would defend only those points.

Secrecy is key.

Chapter seven focuses on Maneuvering.

This is the strategy of making commands and orders of a physical army.

If you force your army to march for 30 miles, you’ll lose men for all sorts of reasons.

There’s a balance between pushing them to gain an advantage, and then pushing them too far.

Early I mentioned getting to the battle first.

That’s useful, if your entire army arrives at all.

He says commanding a force that listens and obeys is one thing, whereas trying to command

a force that’s disobedient can bring you to ruin.

There’s a story about Sun Tzu where he’s challenged to train an army out of concubines,

seemingly impossible.

He gives an order, they laugh and carry on.

He then executed two of the King’s favorite concubines.

Now, everyone listened and maneuvered exactly as directed.

In this chapter he’s saying that a force must listen to the general, because it’s

chaos if they don’t.

He also talks about how to give these orders here.

If it’s night time, use torches.

If you manage many, use drums when your voice can’t carry.

This speaks to communicating different in different circumstances.

Sun Tzu even brings up which troops you should focus on.

The men who are sharpest need very little help, but the slow and homesick, the General

can greatly affect and improve morale.

Find weaknesses in your own men, in your structure, in your processes, and try to avoid them or

strengthen them before you arrive to battle.

Chapter eight is Variation of Tactics.

Circumstances sometimes call for different tactics and different choices.

There are cities you should not attack, there are roads you should not take.

In your preparation, you see that some choices will be catastrophic.

These tactics all come from the general and there’s five major ways that a general can

fail when deciding tactics.

Being reckless and impatient leads to destruction.

Cowardice and fear leads to eventual capture.

A hasty temper means one can be baited and provoked.

A high standard of honor means one might be susceptible and sensitive to shame.

Lastly, an excessive compassion for the troops might make a general second guess his decisions

and worry about them, as opposed to focusing on victory alone.

Sun Tzu claims that whenever an army is defeated or a leader slain, one of these five faults

is to blame.

Chapter nine is about The Army on the March.

He gives some very specific instructions here, including to camp in high places facing the

sun, to always have the high ground when facing your opponent but don’t expend your energy

marching uphill needlessly.

When fighting near a stream or river, let the enemy try to advance all the way through

and expend their energy, as opposed to rushing to meet them.

How your opponent rushes to face you tells you of their situation.

If they wait for you to approach, they have strong defenses and might see some obstacles

for you to overcome.

If they’re approaching, look for signs, such as trees moving and animals running scared.

High dust in the distance might mean horses, while low dust might mean walking troops.

Also be aware that you’re giving off these signals as well, as your army travels.

Classification of Terrain is chapter ten and literally lays out for the general how to

read the terrain and the benefits of fighting in each.

Accessible terrain is terrain that anyone can traverse easily.

The advantage goes to the general who can secure a high ground before the opponent arrives

and has sufficient supplies to last throughout.

Entangling ground means it’s easy to move forward, to secure new land, but it’s difficult

to backtrack or retreat.

Make sure your enemy is vulnerable before moving forward.

In deadlock terrain, or temporizing as the direct translation, there is no advantage

for either side.

If you can back out and make the enemy advance into this terrain, you should be able to strike

with advantage.

Enclosed terrain is usually a narrow passage with very little options.

If you get to this location first, you can block it or ambush.

If the enemy garrisons this space, only advance if you’re confident that it’s weakly protected.

If you come upon terrain that is rocky and has high peaks and low valleys, you should

secure the high peaks first.

If your enemy has the high ground, retreat and force them to leave these advantages if

they wish to pursue.

In this same chapter, Sun Tzu outlines some non-natural factors that a General must look

out for, that can cause harm to the army.

If the enemy outnumbers you ten to one, your army will fly in fear or retreat.

When the army troops are strong-willed and determined, yet the officers incompetent,

the result will be the troops not listening to the officers.

If it’s reversed, with strong competent officers and weak soldiers, the result is

decay and defection.

If the officers act without command from the General, the army will collapse.

Disorganization occurs when the General can’t articulate his plans so the army doesn’t

move as one.

When the General chooses to pit a weak army or a weak detachment against a much stronger

one, the only option is retreat or defeat.

The best Generals know the terrain, know their army, and know which difficulties they will face.

Here are the keys to success as outlined by Sun Tzu.

If a ruler says not to fight, but a competent General sees that victory is clear, they should fight.

The same is true if a ruler says to fight but defeat is certain, then do not fight.

A good general makes decisions without seeking fame or fearing blame.

A general cannot be confident if any factor of the battle is unsure.

If the terrain is unclear, victory is not certain.

If he does not know his soldiers, victory is not certain.

He is confident with his movements, as any doubt can sow doubt in the troops.

Chapter eleven dives into scenarios, called the Nine Situations.

These are situations that an army might find themselves in, not entirely reliant on the

physical ground they’re on.

Dispersive ground is when a General fights in his own homeland, on familiar ground.

You may have the advantage, but damage may be done to your own supplies and property,

so be wary.

Facile ground is when you’ve broken into enemy territory, so you should not slow down.

You don’t have the advantage but you haven’t gained much, so you must fight on.

Contentious ground is when either side can gain a great advantage by taking a particular

place, so move forward but don’t engage too aggressively until you have a clear advantage,

otherwise you might lose a key victory.

Open ground means that both armies have complete freedom, therefore it’s wise to not try

to stop the enemy’s movement, you have no terrain to support you.

There’s intersecting ground, where multiple states or constituents have interest, this

is your chance to make allies and not enemies.

When you’re on heavy ground, it means you’ve made much progress and there are entire cities

behind you, this is your chance to plunder and restock with so many resources available to you.

You may run into intractable ground, or difficult ground, which means it is full of marshes

and forests and hard to get through terrain, in this instance you must keep moving to get

out of that disadvantage.

You must also look out for enclosed or hemmed in ground, which is twisty and narrow and

leaves you vulnerable.

In these instances, continuously keep an eye open and remain vigilant.

Lastly we have desperate ground, or some call it death ground, where you are merely trying

to survive and you must fight with every ounce of your being.

If your opponent is striking so powerfully, it also means they are vulnerable there is

still a chance for success here.

Chapter twelve The Attack by Fire focuses on weapons of war, though weapons at the time

were very different.

He brings up five ways to use fire: Burning enemy soldiers, destroying supplies, destroying

their supplies that are still in transit, destroy their weapons and ammo, and destroying

lines of communication and causing chaos.

You should always have your weapons ready and available for use at a brief notice, as

long as the weather is hot and dry, ideal for fire to spread.

Sun Tzu then talks about when the fire breaks out, there’s ways to adapt to it.

If you attack with fire, follow immediately with an physical attack to capitalize.

If you attack and there’s no response from the opposing army, it may mean that something

isn’t as it seems.

They may be baiting you, they may have been prepared, so wait and watch as the fire continues to spread.

When the fire reaches is greatest peak is when you should attack, do not wait for it

to go out.

If you can start a fire from inside the camp, that’s beneficial as opposed to trying to

attack from outside.

Always be upwind when starting fires and remember that nighttime fires likely die quicker than

daytime fires.

If fire seems too risky or destructive, using water as a weapon, if the terrain allows,

can also be a clever move.

Though here he’s saying fire, I think these ideas can be transferred to other modern machines

of war as well.

Chapter thirteen brings up another type of weapon, the Use of Spies.

Early on in these tips, Sun Tzu brought up the idea of preparation and knowing your enemy.

That’s not always easy, so in this chapter he emphasizes using men who know the enemy

and sorts them into five types.

Local spies live in the opposing nation or group, internal spies are actually within

the enemy structure or government, and double agents are spies sent to find you that you

have turned to your cause instead.

There is a thing called doomed spies (or dead spies in some translations) that exist to

pass on false information to your enemy.

So they might make your enemy think you are starving or taking a route that you’re not

actually taking.

And lastly we have live spies, who infiltrate and then return to your ranks with information

though aren’t from that camp.

Sun Tzu says that these intelligence gatherers should be the best paid and best treated,

as this wisdom is key to winning a victory, especially a bloodless one.

Every move that a General makes is based on this intelligence.

So now we’ve covered the thirteen chapters and what Sun Tzu had to say about the art of war.

There’s many ways that these tactics can be used today, especially in business circles.

How you run a business and compete with other businesses is an obvious parallel.

Intelligence is key, preparation can defeat seemingly insurmountable odds, and knowing

which battles to fight.

Down in the comments, I want you to share some ways that you’ve seen some of these

tactics play out in your life, either in work, in your personal life, or somewhere else.

Hopefully you found this interesting, I hope it helped you get a grasp on this!