The Art of War by Sun Tzu, as a treasure of ancient Chinese military wisdom, not only contains rich strategic and tactical ideas, but also profound life philosophy and wisdom. The following are the top ten life wisdom in Sun Tzu’s Art of War, which have important guiding significance for our personal growth, interpersonal communication, career development, and other aspects, and can benefit us for a lifetime.
Soldiers win, but not for long
Wisdom analysis: In “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, the phrase “victory is precious, not long” emphasizes that in combat, quick victory should be pursued rather than prolonged warfare. This wisdom also applies in life, reminding us to focus on efficiency, seize opportunities, quickly achieve goals, and avoid unnecessary procrastination and consumption in everything we do.
Knowing the enemy and confiding in oneself, one will never be defeated in a hundred battles
Wisdom analysis: This is one of the most famous quotes in “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, which tells us to fully understand our own and our opponents’ situations in competition in order to formulate effective strategies and stand invincible. This wisdom is equally important in interpersonal communication, career development, and other aspects. Only by understanding oneself and others can one make the right decisions and avoid mistakes.
Avoid its sharpness and strike its inertia
Wisdom analysis: In war, one should be good at avoiding the enemy’s sharpness and waiting for their morale to decline before launching an attack. This wisdom is manifested in life as being good at observing the opponent’s movements in competition, avoiding head-on confrontation when the opponent’s momentum is strong, and choosing to seek opportunities to counterattack when the opponent is tired or relaxed.
War is unpredictable, water is unpredictable
Wisdom analysis: There is no fixed and unchanging situation in military operations, just like water has no fixed shape. This wisdom tells us to be flexible and adaptable in life and career, not to stick to rules, and to adjust our strategies and actions according to the actual situation.
More wins, less wins
Wisdom analysis: In Sun Tzu’s Art of War, it emphasizes the need for careful calculation and analysis before the war to ensure victory. This wisdom is manifested in life as thorough thinking and preparation before making any decision, considering various possibilities and consequences to increase the chances of success.
A skilled warrior who causes harm to others but not to others
Wisdom analysis: People who are good at combat can mobilize the enemy without being mobilized by the enemy. This wisdom is manifested in life as taking the initiative in competition and cooperation, being able to guide and control the development of the situation, rather than being influenced by others.
Invest in the place of death and then survive, sink into the place of death and then reincarnate
Wisdom analysis: Putting soldiers in dangerous situations, they will instead fight to the death for survival. This wisdom is manifested in life as the courage to challenge oneself and break through limits when facing difficulties and challenges, because often in the most difficult moments, it is also an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Soldier, cunning way
Wisdom analysis: War is a study of using illusions to deceive and confuse the other party. This wisdom is manifested in life as being adept at using wisdom and strategy in interpersonal communication and competition, winning with wisdom rather than relying solely on brute force or impulse.
Tranquility leads to tranquility, and governance leads to success
Wisdom analysis: calm and profound, just and orderly. This wisdom is manifested in life as maintaining calmness and rationality when facing complex situations, and responding with a peaceful mindset; At the same time, when handling affairs, it is necessary to be fair, strict, and orderly in advancing work.
The army that subdues without fighting, the good ones are also good
Wisdom analysis: Surrendering the enemy without fighting is the most clever tactic. This wisdom is manifested in life as the ability to use wisdom and strategies to resolve conflicts, achieve reconciliation, or make the other party voluntarily give up resistance in competition and conflict, thereby achieving peaceful coexistence or a win-win situation.
In summary, the ten life wisdom points in Sun Tzu’s Art of War are not only applicable to the military field, but can also guide us to achieve success and progress in various aspects of life. They are our precious spiritual wealth and action guide, worthy of our deep learning and understanding.
