Sun Tzu – The Art of War 8.8

If our expectation of advantage be tempered in this way, we may succeed in accomplishing the essential part of our schemes.

Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is a timeless classic that provides valuable lessons not just for war but for life in general. In Chapter 8, Sun Tzu discusses the importance of understanding the advantages and disadvantages of any situation and blending them together to form a cohesive plan. In particular, he emphasizes the need to temper our expectations of advantage.

When we set out to achieve a goal, we often focus solely on the potential benefits and pay little attention to the possible drawbacks or risks. This approach can lead to overconfidence and blind spots that ultimately undermine our efforts. Sun Tzu advises us to be mindful of the potential downsides and to incorporate them into our plans.

By tempering our expectations of advantage, we can avoid the pitfalls of overconfidence and develop a more realistic and nuanced understanding of our situation. This approach allows us to consider multiple possibilities and contingencies, and to adjust our plans accordingly.

Sun Tzu also notes that success in any endeavor requires flexibility and adaptability. No plan can account for every contingency, and unexpected challenges will inevitably arise. By blending considerations of advantage and disadvantage together, we can better prepare ourselves for the unforeseen and make the necessary adjustments to stay on course.

In summary, Sun Tzu’s advice in Chapter 8 is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of any situation and tempering our expectations of advantage, we can develop a more nuanced and effective plan. This approach requires flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to consider multiple possibilities and contingencies. By following these principles, we can increase our chances of success and overcome the challenges we face.