I first heard about Art of War and Sun Tzu from Pop culture references.
I was wailing my time on a weekend when I decided to read it. Looked it up on Google Play store and got myself a copy.
Here is a summary of the learning's from the book:
1. All warfare is based on deception.
2. Use the conquered foe to augment one's own strength.
3. Let the objective of war be victory and not lengthy campaigns.
4. If you know yourself and the enemy you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself and not the enemy for every victory in battle you will suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself you will succumb in every battle.
5. One may know how to conquer without being able to do it - a victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won.
6. Utilize right mix of energy. The combined energy of the fighting men becomes as if it were like a giant rolling stone, crushing all in its path.
7. Strengths and weaknesses. Like water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards, strike at what is weak and avoid what is strong.
8. Understand the temperament and conditioning of the enemy. Do not advance uphill against an enemy nor oppose him when he comes downhill.
9. Variation of tactics - a general who understands the advantages of variation makes his position unassailable.
10. Five faults that may lead to failure - recklessness, over solicitude, cowardice, hasty temper and delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame.
11. Armies on the march. Detailed observations give telltale signs of the state of one's own army and the enemy's army.
12. If you know yourself and the enemy, victory will not stand in doubt. However if you know the battle circumstances, you may make your victory complete.
13. Success in warfare is gained by accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.
14. A ruler must be heedful and a general full of caution to maintain the country at peace and army intact.
15. Foreknowledge helps avert unfruitful events and achieve what ma y seem beyond ordinary.
