Hey fellas and fellettes, I’m back, but before I get into it I have to dedicate this power presentation to The Ex Wizard of New Zealand, we’re all rooting for him. Most average people do not partake in war so they, of course, think that The Art of War by Sun Tzu would not help them in their life. I know that this is untrue, and as such, I listen to The Art of War nightly. You’re probably thinking “Alright guy, then how could I possibly use The Art of War in my daily life?” That’s what the column is about.
Sun Tzu says to know the five factors: the moral law, earth, heaven, the commander, and method and discipline; all of which are important. I asked Senior Emily Sexton, professional warmonger in training, and she told me this about the five constant factors. ‘First of all, knowing the laws is crucial to living under a government. Then Earth and Heaven are the geography and weather of the area which are necessary to go to work and just be prepared for the day. The Commander is a symbol for the wisdom, courage, strictness, and so on of the person. Finally everyone needs discipline’. Sun Tzu also says that all war is based on deception so then according to Teacher John Thompson, the avoidance of war is the truth. If, of course, this is true then to not make an enemy knowing they are angered easily, seek to appease them not to irritate them.
Sun Tzu says to take from the enemy when supplies dwindle. I’d say that when you’re “down on your luck” (broke) ask friends or family to “help out with” (pay for) food; however, use that tactic too often and one would have enemies on one’s own hands. Sun Tzu says that there are three ways a ruler can bring misfortune on his army which all have to do with the ignorance of the ruler. As such when taking advice from anyone, think it over and ask one’s own self if they are ignorant in this regard if so disregard the advice, if not consider it thoroughly. Even I should be taken with a grain of salt, I of course am not infallible.
Sun Tzu says knowing the enemy and oneself will result in victory, knowing yourself and not the enemy is a 50/50 shot, and knowing neither the enemy nor oneself results in defeat. When I approached former student, Graduate Jacob Davis, he told me, “I would agree. There is no point in knowing those you face if you over or underestimate your ability to handle it.” Before anything else your priority should be to know one’s own limitations. Given that it is imperative to know one’s antagonist and prepare for them whatever it may be for Sun Tzu also says the general who wins is the one who prepares and calculates while the general who does not prepare or does few calculations is the one that can expect defeat.
Righty-o that’s all he sang. The Art of War by Sun Tzu is a fantastic book read by many and I think that everyone should read it or at least listen to the audiobook on YouTube. I also didn’t cover every chapter because again go read the book it’s free on youtube. Also it is hard to derive non-arson related things from chapter twelve “The Attack by Fire”.
