[October 13, 2025] Yesterday, I published Part 1 of this two-part series on the 21 principles of The Art of War to establish a baseline for future articles. Drawing on the principles outlined by Sun Tzu, an ancient strategist and philosopher, gives us an advantage in any competition or negotiation.
I will be referring to this layout often. Additionally, I will be adding more “rules for a good life,” some of which may be inspired by Sun Tzu’s Art of War
Today, senior officers in the U.S. military often receive only a brief introduction to Sun Tzu, and I believe that is a mistake. For example, the first of his principles, “Know yourself and know your enemy,” is never emphasized enough, even though our military can recite it correctly. I have also found, after my retirement, that my own intellectual limitations are clearer to me than ever before. I’ve had to push myself to those limits to “see” them, and I am now a better person because of this revelation. It is humbling, I can assure readers.
Here are the next eleven of the 21 Principles of Sun Tzu in The Art of War:
11. Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the moment that they cannot anticipate. Managing expectations allows you to navigate unseen. When you appear predictable, others lower their guard. Use this to conceal your deeper plans and achieve your goals without resistance. Mastery lies in maintaining control over both perception and reality.
12. Ponder and deliberate before you make a move. Quick actions without thought lead to costly mistakes. Success comes to those who weigh their options carefully and strike decisively. Deliberation is not hesitation, but preparation, ensuring every step has purpose. Patience is a hallmark of wise decision-making.
13. Those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle, and are not brought there by him. Controlling the environment ensures you hold the upper hand, set the terms of engagement, and dictate where and how challenges are faced. By choosing the battlefield, you gain a natural advantage. Never allow others to dictate the condition of your success.
14. The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy so that he cannot fathom your real intent. Mystery is a powerful defense and offense. When others cannot predict your moves, they are left vulnerable. Confusion forces them into a reactive state, giving you control over the situation. Use the power wisely, crafting strategies that keep you ahead.
15. He who wishes to fight, must first count the cost. Every decision has a price, and you must weigh it carefully. Rushing into action without assessing the consequences leads to regret. The cost of conflict is not just material but emotional and relational. Only engage when you are certain the outcome justifies the expense.
16. When strong, appear weak; when weak, appear strong. Perceptions can be manipulated to your advantage. Feigning strength deters challengers while feigning weakness lures overconfidence in opponents. Use appearances to misdirect and gain the upper hand. The truth is powerful when revealed at the right time.
17. Victory is reserved for those who are willing to pay its price. Great accomplishments require sacrifice and effort. You must be prepared to invest your time, energy, and focus to achieve success. Half-hearted attempts lead to mediocrity, but dedication leads to triumph. Commit fully, knowing the rewards are worth the struggle.
18. If quick, I survive. If not quick, I am lost. This is death. Swift actions capture opportunities before they vanish. Hesitation allows others to gain the upper hand, while decisive moves secure your place. Acting with speed does not mean recklessness; it means being ready to act when the moment demands. In life, those who act quickly reap the greatest reward.
19. Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across. Even in victory, allow your adversaries a dignified exit. Forcing others into a corner creates unnecessary enemies and prolongs conflict. By showing grace and offering solutions, you solidify your position and avoid future hostilities. True strength lies in knowing when to show compassion.
20. Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger. Preparation builds potential, but action unleashes power. Gather your strength and focus your energy, but do not delay in striking when the moment comes. A plan without execution is merely an idea, but decisive action brings it to life. Align preparation with timely decision-making for success.
21. The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy’s will to be imposed upon him. Maintaining control is the key to prevailing in any situation. Avoid being reactive to external pressures and instead, shape the outcome according to your goals. To lead is to dictate the terms, not to follow them. Steadfastness and clarity ensure you remain the master of your fate.
NOTE: Information contained in this article is taken in part from a YouTube video by Motiversity Quotes (link here).
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12. Ponder and deliberate before you make a move. 👍
Forrest, I was thinking the same thing. This one is the best to include in the newest rules above the 55.
Great news for TheLeadermaker.com aficionado readers, Gen. Satterfield is saying that he just might use some of these for an update on his “55 Rules for a Good Life.” Wow. For those who don’t yet have a copy of the book, it’s inexpensive and worth its weight many times over. Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/55-Rules-Good-Life-Responsibility/dp/1737915529/
You’ll thank me later after you’ve read it.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Only in America.
Sir, thanks for this 2 part series. And I think I speak for other regular readers taht we do appreciate your building up a baseline of “uses” or maybe better called “principles” for later articles. I agree that to understand the basics is necessary for us to think more creatively in our future.
MUCHO EXCELLENT
😂😂😂😂
Sweeney, yes! It’s always great to read about what Gen. Satterfield is thinking about on any given day. I also noticed that he writes “HOSTAGES RELEASED” on his Daily Favorites tab. Le us all thank President Donald Trump for his leadership and valuable leverage to get a deal done. But, negotiations with terrorists is a bad sign.
💯🫡👀
Crazy Man, I am also wondering which of these 21 principles that Gen. Satterfield will be using. But what he won’t do is to take one with “deceit” or “deception” at its base.