Analysis of The Art of War Book by Sun Tzu - Essay Example

The Art of War Author’s Purpose Sun Tzu’s book, The Art of War, enshrines universal information helpful for anyone with the task of making strategies. Although Tzu adopts an unusual way in the presentation of the book, most of his ideas are common sense. Consequently, the book can be used by anybody involved in strategic management planning. Reaction “There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare.” (Tzu, n.p.). Warfare is the last resort whenever other avenues of negotiation fail. Nevertheless, prolonged warfare exerts enormous strain on the parties involved. This is because war is costly. For this reason, prolonged warfare will only deplete a country’s resources rather than produce any meaningful gains. Although this statement reeks of military pedagogy, it can apply to anybody. From my point of view, hostilities and disagreements among people often arise but should never be allowed to go over the limits. Prolonged hostilities at the workplace or school are only counter-productive. At school, I find it difficult to concentrate on my studies whenever I am in a long standing disagreement with my peers. I think it is a good idea to iron out any disagreements as soon as they arise. “Hence the saying: 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.” (Tzu, n.p.). Tzu is expressing a very relevant point in this quotation. One must know exactly the challenge one faces in order to be able to tackle it. It is important to understand your enemy, especially their strengths and weaknesses. The knowledge of the enemy’s strengths and weakness would enable one to handle them well. One should also understand their own strengths and weaknesses so as to be able to determine whether to go to war or not. From my point of view, I would say it is important for me to understand the challenges I face in life, and compare them with my strengths and weaknesses. “Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking, a superabundance of strength.” (Tzu, n.p.). Nothing can be further from the truth. Many a time, I fall back on my defense whenever I lack the resolve to forge ahead, the resolve to fight. The same applies to the military: they will fall back and defend their territory when they lack the will to go forth and fight the aggressor. Tzu seems to be suggesting that what makes the difference between insufficient strength and superabundance of strength is simply a matter of attitude. Personally, my academic performance has improved since I changed my attitude from negative to positive. I no longer shy away from challenges; instead, I stand and face them. Consequently, I have been able to solve many problems on my own. A case in point was when some of my college mates wanted to force me into drugs. I stood my ground and made it very clear to them that I would never do drugs. Consequently, I have earned respect among my peers and my professors due to my ability to face challenges and sort them out. “Hence his victories bring him neither reputation for wisdom nor credit for courage.” (Tzu, n.p.). Sometimes soldiers may fight gallantly and face great dangers to their own lives, but when the war is over they may receive no recognition or credit. However, lack of recognition does not stop them from fighting another day. Tzu is sending a very strong message to everybody that cares, not necessarily the soldiers. He is appealing to us not to bother so much about recognition or receiving credit for our accomplishments because sometimes people may not see them in the same light as we do. If we crave for recognition, we may only end up hurting ourselves. When I was working on improving my academic performance at Johnson & Wales University, I was disappointed countless times. That was because every time I would score above average, my professors would not make any indication that they recognized my improvement, however slight it was. I remember the nights I spent awake, wondering if anybody ever recognized the effort I was putting into my studies. However, I learnt that it was for my personal good, and as such, it did not matter whether other people recognized me or not. I was then able to accept myself the way I was and to put my mind to my studies regardless of the prevailing situation. My academic performance has improved greatly ever since, and in fact, my professors have began to openly show their appreciation to me. I have, therefore, been able to kill two birds with one stone. I learnt to develop self-motivation and self-drive, qualities that will help me greatly in my future life after the university. “Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.” (Tzu, n.p.). This statement is addressed to army commanders. If they want absolute loyalty from the soldiers under them, then they have to treat them like their own children. They need to show them respect and understanding as they would do to their own children. By so doing, the soldiers will give their best in return. Tzu is actually appealing to us to treat those under us with respect and honor. I learnt to treat my juniors at the university with respect and, thus, I was able to earn their respect as well. Remember that respect is earned, not forced. Currently, I work with my juniors very well, especially in sports where I am an official. After classes, I always find them already gathered in the field and ready to proceed with day’s program. We get along very well and we have been able to develop a strong basketball team. Previously, I used to think that since I was senior to them, I would force them into respecting or working with me. I would even force my ideas on them. Consequently, our basketball team grew weak and we would lose many matches. Tzu is, therefore, making a very relevant point in this quotation. Generally, Tzu’s teachings are far from being simple military procedure. They apply to every aspect of our lives, whether at the workplace, social places or even as school. His advice is quite helpful and sound. Works cited Tzu, Sun. The Art of War. Trans. Dr. Lionel Giles. New York: Michael Magnusson, 1910. Print. Read More