The Art of War - Deepstash

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1. Know Yourself and Your Enemy

1. Know Yourself and Your Enemy

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and those of your opponent, is essential to victory. If you know both well, you won't fear the outcome of many battles.

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52 reads

2. The Best Victory is to Win Without Fighting

2. The Best Victory is to Win Without Fighting

The highest form of strategy is to win without engaging in battle by outsmarting your opponent and avoiding unnecessary conflict.

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46 reads

3. Prepare and Plan Meticulously

3. Prepare and Plan Meticulously

Success comes to those who plan carefully and consider all possible outcomes before acting. Preparation reduces risks and increases chances of victory.

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38 reads

4. Adapt to Changing Circumstances

4. Adapt to Changing Circumstances

Flexibility is key. The ability to quickly adjust tactics based on new information or changing situations keeps you ahead of your opponent.

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39 reads

5. Use Deception to Confuse the Enemy

5. Use Deception to Confuse the Enemy

By creating ambiguity and misleading your opponent, you gain an advantage and can control the battlefield without direct confrontation.

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39 reads

6. Exploit Your Enemy’s Weakness

6. Exploit Your Enemy’s Weakness

Identify vulnerable points in your opponent's strategy or resources and direct your efforts there for maximum effect.

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37 reads

7. Speed and Surprise are Powerful Tools

7. Speed and Surprise are Powerful Tools

Acting swiftly and unexpectedly keeps your enemy off balance, allowing you to dictate the pace of engagement.

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35 reads

8. Maintain Strong Leadership and Morale

8. Maintain Strong Leadership and Morale

A confident leader inspires loyalty and strength within their group, which is vital to overcoming challenges and adversity.

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33 reads

9. Control the Terrain

9. Control the Terrain

Know the environment well and use it to your advantage. Favorable terrain can strengthen your position and weaken the enemy’s.

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37 reads

10. Preserve Your Resources

10. Preserve Your Resources

Wise commanders avoid wasting their forces and energy on unnecessary battles or overly risky decisions.

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49 reads

 SUN TZU

All warfare is based on deception.

SUN TZU

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41 reads

IDEAS CURATED BY

rakshitrp

Obsessed with books, nature, and the sky. Walking the line between faith and reason, believing in humanity above all. I write, I listen, I dream —finding beauty in quiet moments and the world around me.

CURATOR'S NOTE

Insights from Sun Tzu’s ancient strategy guide, explained simply for modern understanding.

Curious about different takes? Check out our The Art of War Summary book page to explore multiple unique summaries written by Deepstash users.

Different Perspectives Curated by Others from The Art of War

Curious about different takes? Check out our book page to explore multiple unique summaries written by Deepstash curators:

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