Thread by @Wamagaisa

1. Lessons from Sun Tzu - thread

There are many who are more qualified than me to share lessons from the Holy Book so I defer to them. I will however share a few of the rules of life from the great strategist, Sun Tzu. After all life itself is a series of multiple battles.

2. “The wise warrior avoids the battle”

Do not fight unnecessary wars. Some deliberately bait you. Oft-times, it’s not worth it because even if you’re right you end up with your reputation soiled too. Avoid battles & win without fighting at all.

3. Sun Tzu adds, “One mark of a great soldier is that he fights on his own terms or fights not at all.”

When someone has a rant at you, they are drawing you into a fight on their terns. If they threaten or make accusations which you know to be ridiculous don’t give them life.

3. “If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt”

As a general rule I don’t trust & I don’t respond to those who come wearing masks. It’s not a fair fight. So let them rant & pleasure themselves & if they are a nuisance, avoid them - mute works

4. “Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance”

When people are haughty and arrogant, it’s most likely that they are actually weaker than they say. They are vulnerable. If they sound inferior/humble they are probably feigning weakness. Be wary.

5. “Ponder and deliberate before you make a move”

Don’t rush into a fight. Remember it’s best to avoid it, but if you must, think very carefully before you make a move. Or your move could give advantage and become your weakness.

6. “To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself”

As shown above, you could make a move that actually presents an opportunity to the other and it becomes your weakest point.

7. “There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested ...”

This is in keeping with the teaching to avoid war. You have to choose your battles carefully.

8. “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight”

“Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical”

This is self-explanatory. Do not get involved in unnecessary wars.

9. Sun Tzu was a great war general but throughout his work he discourages fighting. That’s why he says “to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting”

Sun Tzu, The Art of War