The Art of War (Sun Tzu)
Problem
Acting without a clear comparison of conditions leads to avoidable mistakes.
Action
Compare goals, leadership, resources, timing, terrain, and discipline before choosing a plan.
Outcome
Careful planning increases the chance of success.
Chapter: Laying Plans
Problem
A long conflict drains resources and weakens everyone involved.
Action
Set a clear objective and use resources carefully to finish the effort quickly.
Outcome
Speed protects strength and limits unnecessary costs.
Chapter: Waging War
Problem
Direct attacks often cause damage that better thinking could prevent.
Action
Disrupt the opponent's plans, support, and choices before using force.
Outcome
Strategic pressure produces results with less loss.
Chapter: Attack by Stratagem
Problem
Seeking victory before removing your own weaknesses creates needless risk.
Action
Build a position that cannot be easily defeated before waiting for an opening.
Outcome
Strong preparation lets you act when success becomes possible.
Chapter: Tactical Dispositions
Problem
Scattered effort produces little force at the point that matters.
Action
Organize people and resources so their combined effort reaches one chosen point.
Outcome
Focused energy creates greater impact with the same resources.
Chapter: Use of Energy
Problem
Meeting strength directly wastes effort and increases resistance.
Action
Hide your intentions, find exposed points, and apply pressure where defense is weak.
Outcome
Selective action achieves results with less effort.
Chapter: Weak Points and Strong
Problem
Poor coordination turns movement into confusion and lost advantage.
Action
Use clear signals, reliable routes, and controlled timing when moving people or resources.
Outcome
Disciplined movement preserves order and creates useful positions.
Chapter: Maneuvering an Army
Problem
A fixed response fails when the situation no longer matches the original plan.
Action
Adjust your method after reviewing current risks, opportunities, and limits.
Outcome
Flexible tactics keep the plan effective under changing conditions.
Chapter: Variation of Tactics
Problem
Visible conditions can hide danger, disorder, or deception.
Action
Observe movement, behavior, surroundings, and unusual changes before deciding what they mean.
Outcome
Careful observation improves judgment and reduces surprise.
Chapter: The Army on the March
Problem
The wrong position can remove your options and expose you to harm.
Action
Study access, distance, obstacles, escape routes, and visibility before choosing where to act.
Outcome
A suitable position improves safety and control.
Chapter: Classification of Terrain
Problem
Different levels of danger require different choices from a leader.
Action
Identify the current situation and give people the direction needed for that level of risk.
Outcome
Appropriate leadership keeps people focused and effective.
Chapter: The Nine Situations
Problem
A powerful attack can fail when timing and conditions are poorly controlled.
Action
Act only when the target, timing, environment, and follow-up plan support the attack.
Outcome
Controlled force creates impact without causing avoidable damage.
Chapter: Attack by Fire
Problem
Plans based on guesses can fail in the face of hidden intentions and conditions.
Action
Gather information from reliable people and confirm it before making important decisions.
Outcome
Better intelligence supports accurate plans and timely action.
Chapter: Use of Spies