Sun Tzu – The Art of War 6.21

Though according to my estimate the soldiers of Yueh exceed our own in number, that shall advantage them nothing in the matter of victory. I say then that victory can be achieved.

Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is a timeless masterpiece that contains valuable lessons for strategists and military leaders even in the modern era. In the sixth chapter of this ancient text, Sun Tzu discusses the importance of strategic positioning and the use of tactics to achieve victory in war.

In chapter six, Sun Tzu highlights how a superior force can defeat an inferior one through strategic positioning and the use of surprise tactics. He notes that the enemy’s strength can be weakened by forcing them to prepare against possible attacks from multiple directions, leading to numerical weakness. This approach requires the army to be able to concentrate its forces from the greatest distances to the point of the battle, making them appear at unexpected locations and confusing the enemy.

Moreover, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of maintaining secrecy and subtlety to achieve victory in battle. By remaining invisible and inaudible, an army can hold the enemy’s fate in their hands, making their movements unpredictable and giving them the upper hand in battle. The general who can attack the enemy’s weak points or move faster than them will be able to achieve success in battle, even against a superior force.

Sun Tzu’s teachings in chapter six emphasize the importance of strategic thinking, planning, and surprise tactics in achieving success in warfare. These lessons have relevance not only in the military context but can also be applied in various other fields, including business, politics, and even daily life. By using these teachings, one can become more adept at strategic thinking and positioning, leading to greater success in any endeavor.