The Art of War

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt.”

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

This Chinese 5th century treatise on war seems to get quoted an awful lot. It showed up in Guy Richie’s ‘Young Sherlock’ released today on Prime Video. It’s also cited in John Yorke’s new story dynamics book ‘Trip to the Moon’.

We’re used to the classical Greek notion of “Know thyself” (Greek: Gnothi seauton), an ancient Greek aphorism inscribed on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. It was famously adopted and popularised by the philosopher Socrates. Life is shallow if you don’t get below the surface and make efforts to understand yourself .

Knowing your enemy or adversary is a less common idea. Even in lower level conflicts and confrontations and negotiations being able to see through the eyes of your opponent is a vital capability. It’s the key to grasping their motivation, desires and weaknesses.