21 Principles of The Art of War: Part 1

[October 12, 2025] As an Army Lieutenant many years ago, I was given a paperback book and told to read it by my Infantry Brigade Commander. The Art of War, by the ancient Chinese General Sun Tzu, would be the bedrock of many of my future actions, both on and off the battlefield.  There are 21 principles of Sun Tzu’s Art of War.

The Art of War comprises 13 chapters; however, my list of 21 principles is organized by concept, rather than by chapter. Many of these principles are well-known, while some are less familiar. Each one contains essential “rules” that apply to all war and human interactions in business, academia, religion, and any hierarchical organization.

Sun Tzu was a master strategist and philosopher who navigated the path of wisdom during China’s Warring States period.  His teachings arose not only from the need to triumph in battle but from an understanding of the mastery in outmaneuvering all conflict.  Sun Tzu was not just a General but a student of human nature.

The book The Art of War is not a book confined to soldiers and battlefields but is applicable to all arenas of human endeavor.  Herein are lessons for those who would wish to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and to live with purpose.  

Here are the first ten of 21 Principles of Sun Tzu in The Art of War:

1. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.  Knowing yourself is to understand the limits of your strengths, the limitations of your weaknesses, and your unrealized potential.  Without this understanding, you will fail miserably.  To know your enemy is to know their intentions, strengths and vulnerabilities, and ensure their moves will not surprise you.  Only by laying bare your heart and that of your opponents will you succeed.
2. The Supreme Art of War is to subdue the enemy without fighting.  The best solutions avoid unnecessary confrontations.  Winning a conflict without direct confrontation is the pinnacle of skill.  Persuasion, strategy, and understanding often triumph where brute force fails.
3. Opportunities multiply as they are seized.  Every step forward creates a pathway for future growth.  Taking action generates momentum, opening doors you never knew existed.  Hesitation, on the other hand, allows opportunities to shrink and vanish.  Cultivate action for future success.
4. All warfare is based on deception.  Life often requires presenting things differently than they may appear.  Whether it’s negotiations or everyday challenges, showing your hand too soon can lead to failure.  Control the narrative and use strategy to stay one step ahead.  Truth, when paired with discretion, is a powerful weapon.
5. In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.  When everything seems uncertain, the clever find hidden advantages.  Moments of disruption create space for creativity and bold decisions.  Fear blinds many, but clarity and chaos lead to breakthroughs.  Stay calm and let chaos be the engine of your most outstanding achievements to come.
6. He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.  Picking your battles wisely ensures your strength is not wasted.  Not every conflict deserves your time and energy.  Discernment is essential.  Wisdom lies in retreating when necessary and engaging only when it matters most.  Reserve your strength for battles that truly define your path.
7. Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.  The element of surprise is your ally.  Keep your intentions flexible and unpredictable by avoiding patterns that can be anticipated.  Strike where resistance is weakest and opportunity is greatest.  Success often comes from going where others cannot follow.
8. Even the finest sword plunged into salt water will eventually rust.  Neglect wears down even the strongest foundation.  Relationships, skills, and tools require constant care and attention to maintain their value.  Without vigilance, strength fades and potential is squandered.  Protect what matters to you through consistent effort.  Train hard and once you see your desired results, keep training.
9. Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.  Life is ever-changing, and what worked yesterday may fail tomorrow.  Adapting to new circumstances ensures lasting success.  Stubbornness leads to stagnation, but flexibility leads to innovation.  Be ever willing to invent yourself and your methods.  
10. A leader leads by example, not by force.  True leadership inspires others to action, not coercion.  People follow those who embody the qualities they admire.  Demonstrate integrity, commitment, and vision, and others will naturally align with your purpose.  Lead from the front and let your deeds speak louder than your words.

Tomorrow, I’ll publish Part 2, 11 through 21 principles of Sun Tzu’s Art of War, and make some comments about the power of these principles and how I tried to live by them.

NOTE: Information contained in this article are taken in part from a YouTube video by Motiversity Quotes (link here).

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Please read my books:

1. “55 Rules for a Good Life,” on Amazon (link here).
2. “Our Longest Year in Iraq,” on Amazon (link here).