The Art of War has gained huge popularity not without reason. All of the strategies described by Sun Tzu can be applied today. Moreover, as long as you follow all his directions closely you will surely be victorious in any battle. The content of the ancient book might seem vague to some, but if you read it carefully you will be able to figure out and apply all of the essential Sun Tzu strategies.
The main one described thoroughly in The Art of War is the skill of picking your battles. This strategy is essential for victory. As Sun Tzu says: “He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious.” It is easy to figure out the message – you will win if you attack the enemy when he is weak.
At this point you might say that it is hard to figure out the situation of your adversary. For this reason the next one of the Sun Tzu strategies puts the essence on knowledge. As long as you have information about your opponent you can prepare for the battle and win it.
Another main strategy is to win without destroying the thing you want to conquer. This is essential. You have to accomplish your goal without actually losing any of its value.
In the book there are also strategies on how to use deception to win a battle – “Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness.” There methods that are described quite specifically and can be used in different situations. The speed and the formation in which you advance are also essential for victory.
The Sun Tzu strategies also involve the tactics of leadership. In his book the author emphasizes on the example given by leaders and on their responsibility for their men.
