To lift an autumn hair is no sign of great strength; to see the sun and moon is no sign of sharp sight; to hear the noise of thunder is no sign of a quick ear.
Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is a timeless classic that offers a lot of wisdom for life beyond just warfare. One of the most insightful lessons is in chapter four, where Sun Tzu discusses the importance of true excellence and the dangers of pursuing false appearances. In particular, he warns against the common fallacy of confusing external signs of strength with actual strength.
In chapter four, verse 10, Sun Tzu writes, “To lift an autumn hair is no sign of great strength; to see the sun and moon is no sign of sharp sight; to hear the noise of thunder is no sign of a quick ear.” These statements may seem simple, but they contain a deep truth: external appearances do not necessarily reflect internal reality.
To lift an autumn hair, for example, requires only a tiny amount of strength. It is a trivial feat that anyone could accomplish, and yet some people might try to use it as a sign of their great strength. Similarly, simply seeing the sun and moon or hearing the noise of thunder does not require any special talent or ability. These things are easy to perceive, and yet some might claim that they are indications of their superior senses.
Sun Tzu’s point is that true excellence is not about superficial displays or grandiose claims. Instead, it is about developing the internal qualities that enable you to achieve real success. In the context of warfare, this might mean training your soldiers to be disciplined and resourceful, rather than simply outfitting them with the most impressive weapons and armor. In life more broadly, it might mean focusing on developing your own skills and knowledge, rather than simply trying to impress others with your appearances.
Ultimately, Sun Tzu’s lesson in chapter four, verse 10 is a reminder to focus on substance over style. It is easy to be seduced by external appearances and superficial displays, but true excellence comes from developing the qualities that enable you to succeed, regardless of what others may think or say. By focusing on substance over style, we can cultivate a deeper sense of strength and resilience that will serve us well in all areas of life.
Geoff Willis is an accomplished restaurateur and chef with over two decades in the culinary world, blending his passion for gastronomy with an extensive study of philosophy. Known for his innovative approach to cooking and deep commitment to sustainable practices, Geoff combines the art of flavors with philosophical insights, offering readers a unique perspective on food and life.