The Art of War (Book) Writted by: Sun Tzu

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Today I want to tell you about one of the great works of universal literature.

From our beginnings, the human species has gone through situations of conflict in all areas of our lives, from business, love, among others. Today I want to talk to you about "The art of war". As I said before, it is a classic of universal literature. And whose teachings have an undeniable validity today

As a curious fact, I would like to add that this book was originally written in the fourth century BC

For those who have not read the book, I leave the following summary:

Sun Tzu in his book "The Art of War", during the thirteen chapters stresses that war is of utmost importance for the State and that it must be based on deception, in order to confuse enemies, spoil all their plans and end their alliances. Sun Tzu makes readers see the war in a way that goes beyond the killing or physical destruction of the enemy, giving a greater focus to the moral and intellectual aspects of the enemy, as well as in what circumstances the war develops.

Sun Tzu believes that the consequences of the war on the economy are very important, emphasizing that there is no benefit on a prolonged war. It also gives great importance to the fact of destroying the enemy from inside, using strategies that make him vulnerable, defeating him from the moral and intellectual point of view, and finally in the physical aspect. Of course, Sun believes that the number of casualties does not directly lead to a victory.

The basis for victory is deception and the proper use of strategies. Therefore, the war is evaluated, and it goes to it taking into account 5 fundamental factors:

The moral influence is evaluated, if what the people do is in harmony with their leaders and if the people are so in agreement with their superiors as to give their lives without fear of danger.
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The climate, in this factor is taken into consideration, the interaction with the forces of nature, and the conduct of military operations, keeping in mind each season of the year.
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You must know in advance the conditions of the terrain in which you will fight, know if you cross easily or not, if it is open or boxed and how many chances to die or live there. Every General must know the nature of the terrain, and investigate it with care, because this facilitates the army organizing its victory.
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He says that a General must have certain qualities to face a war: Wisdom that allows him to act according to certain circumstances; Sincerity, this quality makes it have a high level of credibility in terms of rewards and punishments; Humanity, this quality will make him appreciate the effort of others; Brave, take advantage of any opportunity without hesitation; Strict, the troops will be disciplined and will be afraid of your punishments.


“Meet the enemy and know yourself”


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Doctrine, is organization, control, allocation of appropriate ranks to the officers, regulation of supply routes and provision of the main articles used for the army.

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Strategies should be used to divide the enemy, to attack when he is not ready, keep him under pressure, and wear him down.

The essence of War is to obtain victory quickly and efficiently, and not endless operations with minimal results. A great General ensures that the troops are well fed at the expense of the enemy, because the provisions transported are consumed in large part during the road, when it is long.

Sun Tzu believes that the best policy during a war is to take a state intact, not ruin it. Have to destroy their alliances and not attack cities or armies if it is not necessary. It is best not to fight if is not necesary.

When your men exceed 10 in your enemy, surround it, if it is in 5, attack it, if you only double it numerically, divide it, if they are even, fight it, and if you are weaker, leave the possibility of withdrawal.

Pretend inferiority and stimulate the enemy's arrogance

All war is deception

Who knows when he can fly and when not, will be victorious

Cares: NyxDoug.