The Art of War
Using strategic principles to improve relationships
Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is a military treatise dating back to the 5th century BCE, comprising 13 chapters dedicated to different aspects of warfare and tactics. It remains the most influential commentary on East Asian military strategy1.
The corresponding Thirty-six Stratagems, often attributed to Sun Tzu, have roots in both written and oral history, with different versions appearing throughout Chinese history. These stratagems originated as a collection of military tactics and wisdom, passed down through generations and formalized into a structured set encompassing various aspects of conflict resolution, negotiation, and strategic thinking2.
Despite their historical origins, both The Art of War and the Thirty-Six Stratagems remain relevant today. They are studied and referenced globally, applied to fields ranging from politics and business to sports, and have even appeared in popular culture such as K-dramas.
Much of Sun Tzu’s text outlines how to outsmart one’s opponent without engaging in physical battle, emphasizing that conflict should be a last resort. These timeless principles offer invaluable insights into human interaction.
Sun Tzu’s maxim, “Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a thousand battles without disaster,” underscores the enduring relevance of his teachings in all realms of life. The text provides a roadmap for navigating modern complexities, whether in business negotiations, personal relationships, or the pursuit of specific goals.
Sun Tzu Meets Cinderella
Sun Tzu’s teachings are used to great effect in Cinderella and the Four Knights, with Eun Ha-won revealing she was raised on these principles. In Episode 2, she mentions, “My mother told me that adhering to Sun Tzu’s teachings would get me through life without hardship.”
As a child, she learned the art of patience, stating later in the same episode: “Chapter 1, Section 4. ‘Wait at leisure while the enemy labours.’ Wait until the proper time comes.” She understands that the right timing can change the outcome of any situation.
In Episode 8, Ha-won’s mother even laughingly uses the teachings to steal the last piece of gimbap, “Chapter 1, Verse 6 - ‘Make a sound in the east, then strike in the west.’ Divert your enemy’s attention elsewhere.”
As an adult, Ha-won uses her knowledge to engage in verbal sparring with Chairman Kang Jong-du in Episode 2 as he tries to enlist her help in managing his grandsons. Their amusing banter unfolds:
Chairman: “The Art of War, Chapter 1, Section 5: ‘Loot a burning house.’ In other words, take ample advantage of every opportunity.”
Ha-won: “Chapter 3, Section 14: ‘Borrowing a corpse to resurrect a soul.’ One should avoid opportunities that look hopeless.”
Chairman: “Chapter 3, Section 18: ‘Defeat the enemy by capturing their chief.’ You don't know the outcome of a battle until it’s over.”
Ha-won: “Chapter 6, Section 36: ‘If all else fails, retreat.’”
Ha-won’s ability to use Sun Tzu’s timeless principles demonstrates how ancient wisdom can be adapted to modern life, enabling her to handle challenges with grace and strategic insight. This not only underscores the relevance of Sun Tzu’s teachings in contemporary settings but also inspires viewers to incorporate this wisdom into their own lives for personal and professional growth.
Practical Wisdom
While quoting these catchy phrases is entertaining, applying this enduring wisdom to everyday challenges can provide significant benefits. Not every interaction is a battle, but following these insights can improve your chances of success when needed. Here are a few ways these principles can be applied:
Besiege Wei to Rescue Zhao
Situation: Trying to mend a strained relationship with a friend?
Application: Begin by discussing a less contentious topic before addressing the underlying issues.
Kill with a Borrowed Sword
Situation: Want to convince your boss to implement a new idea?
Application: Reference the successful implementation of a similar idea in another department or company.
Sacrifice the Plum Tree to Preserve the Peach Tree
Situation: Want to get your way on something important to you?
Application: Compromise on a small request to gain agreement on a larger matter.
Beat the Grass to Startle the Snake
Situation: Need to discuss a sensitive topic with a partner or co-worker?
Application: Mention the topic casually to gauge their response before having a more serious conversation.
Lure the Tiger Down the Mountain
Situation: Need to understand someone’s true intentions?
Application: Deliberately disclose partial information about your own position to prompt the other party to reveal more about their intentions and priorities.
Catch the Barbarians and Capture Their Chief
Situation: Trying to resolve a recurring problem?
Application: Focus on identifying the root cause of the issue rather than constantly fixing the symptoms.
By learning and applying the thirty-six strategic principles to everyday interactions, you can turn potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and understanding. And, of course, winning is also fun!
Sun Tzu, The Art of War, translated by Lionel Giles, edited and with an introduction by Dallas Galvin. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 2002.
Thirty-Six Stratagems - Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirty-Six_Stratagems [Accessed 31 May 2024].