Sun Tzu – The Art of War 6.8

Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is a timeless guide to military strategy that is still relevant today, even in non-military contexts. One of the key principles Sun Tzu espouses is the importance of being unpredictable and deceptive in battle.

In Chapter 6, Sun Tzu writes, “Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.” This means that a successful commander must be able to create confusion and uncertainty in the mind of their opponent, making it difficult for them to anticipate their next move.

This principle can be applied to many aspects of life beyond the battlefield. In business, for example, a company that can outmaneuver its competitors by entering new markets or developing innovative products is likely to gain a competitive advantage. Similarly, a successful sports team might use a variety of tactics to confuse and deceive their opponents, such as varying their formations or plays.

To achieve this level of unpredictability and deception, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. By analyzing your opponent’s capabilities, you can identify their vulnerabilities and tailor your strategy to exploit them. This requires careful planning and preparation, as well as a willingness to take risks and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

Overall, Sun Tzu’s advice in Chapter 6 highlights the importance of creativity and flexibility in strategy. By being unpredictable and deceptive, a skilled commander can gain the upper hand over their opponent, whether in war or in other domains. By following these principles, we can all learn to think more strategically and achieve our goals more effectively.