I hope you enjoy my notes on, "The Art of War".

Sun Tzu "The Art of War"

(Translated by L Giles)

Dated between 4^th and 5^th mid century to the Common Era.

Pre Sun Tzu: Lao Tzu, Confucius, Zoroaster, Buda, Jeremiah.

"If I fight, I win".

-  Confucius

"Every animal with blood in its veins and horns on its head will fight when it's attacked".

 - Su Machin

The Art of War is a practical guide book for any activity that requires strategy, provided that you see the world as a network of actual and potential combat zones.  War then becomes not merely a metaphor for the conflict of everyday life. But, it becomes a state of mind.

The first move is always the opponent. Telling us everything we need to know about his strategies and weakness. For our part we must be sensitive to all the conditions and circumstances that apply... At the same time we need to give away as little as possible about ourselves. All action needs therefore to be built upon the shifting sands of deceit and deliberate obfuscation. Our motive is hidden even from our own side.

All warfare is based on deception; hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable. When using our force, we must seem in active. When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away. When far away we must make them believe we are near. Hold out baits to entice the enemy.