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title: Sun Tzu’s Art of War: How Ancient Strategy Can Lead to Modern Success
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# Sun Tzu’s Art of War: How Ancient Strategy Can Lead to Modern Success

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by 

[Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/)


## Eric Barker


Jun 2, 2014 4:01 AM UTC

by 

[Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/)


## Eric Barker


Jun 2, 2014 4:01 AM UTC

Everyone reveres [The Art of War](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0195014766/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0195014766&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20).

1500 years old, this ancient Chinese text is still utilized by both militaries and business schools around the world.

And it should be — research shows **those unconventional tactics work.**

**When Davids don’t fight by Goliaths’ rules they win 63% of battles.**

Via [David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316204366/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316204366&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

If the US and Canada went to war and Canada chose to fight Sun Tzu style, what would happen? The smart money would bet on Canada.

Via [David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316204366/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316204366&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

What do I think? I go a step further:

**I believe Sun Tzu’s** [**The Art of War**](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0195014766/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0195014766&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20) **is the essential strategy guide of our time. Why?**

**We are relentlessly reminded this is the “information age.”**

**Well, one of the primary themes of Sun Tzu’s classic strategy guide is:** **_the power of information._**

I know: you’re not a [general or a CEO](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/07/leadership-effectiveness/). But we all wage metaphorical “wars” all day long.

“Fighting” to get that promotion or new job? Waging a pitched “battle” with your significant other over a delicate issue?


Sun Tzu can help you claim victory in all those skirmishes. And scientific research agrees with him. Let’s dive in.

## Knowledge Is Power

**The crucial theme throughout the** [**The Art of War**](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0195014766/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0195014766&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20) **is** **_the power of accurate information_** **.**

Re-reading the book I was struck by how Sun Tzu hits this one idea again and again from so many angles.

He really doesn’t beat around the bush: **knowledge wins wars.**

Via [The Art of War](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0195014766/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0195014766&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

Do you need infantry? Maybe. Snipers? Perhaps. Pilots? Could be.

What do you definitely need? Spies to get you information.

Via [The Art of War](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0195014766/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0195014766&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---


Sun Tzu does not believe in fighting fair. He feels deception is at the very heart of war. **But what is deception?**

**All it means is making sure your information is accurate and your enemy’s is not.**

Via [The Art of War](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0195014766/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0195014766&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

And [when you look at military history](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/08/what-three-things-can-we-learn-about-strategy/), Sun Tzu’s emphasis on information-based strategy has guided most every great general since.

Via [How Great Generals Win](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0393323161/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0393323161&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---


You might argue that back then information was so important because it was_scarce_.

We’re drowning in information now. So maybe it’s no longer a problem…

But **research actually shows nothing has changed since Sun Tzu’s era. In fact, the problem may have gotten worse.**

## Sun Tzu For The 21st Century

Google brings us a library full of data with a keystroke. Our bursting inboxes scream “information overload.”

But that doesn’t mean it’s relevant or accurate info. **What do the best leaders of the modern era still** [**spend much of their time doing**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/08/effective-leaders/)**?**

**Trying to get the information they need to make good decisions.**

Via [John P. Kotter on What Leaders Really Do](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OEIQ5Y/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004OEIQ5Y&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---


The primary challenge of a leader has not changed much since Sun Tzu’s era.

**Getting accurate, relevant information can be difficult because you’re never on the front lines and there is** **_too much_** **data.**

Via [John P. Kotter on What Leaders Really Do](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OEIQ5Y/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004OEIQ5Y&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20)

---

> “”

---

You might think that with enough money you can leverage surveys, focus groups and manpower and arrive at useful info.

Probably — but you’re still not out of the woods because **we’re all still prone to the same biases humans always have been.**

**What does research show is the biggest error leaders make?**

Harvard Business School professor [Gautam Mukunda](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/03/interview-harvard-business-school-professor-gautam-mukunda-teaches-secrets-leader/), author of [Indispensable: When Leaders Really Matter](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1422186709/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1422186709&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20) says it’s [hubris](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/09/strategic-leadership/)

And what’s an essential part of hubris? **_Thinking you know everything._**

Leaders can get great information these days. But as former Harvard professor Richard Tedlow explains, they often just don’t want to hear it.


Via [Denial: Why Business Leaders Fail to Look Facts in the Face—and What to Do About It](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042P56D0/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0042P56D0&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

So how can you avoid the eternal problems of getting and using good information?

## How To Wage A Sun Tzu War From Your Cubicle

**So Sun Tzu was right — and still is. What does that mean for you and me?** 

Before that job interview, research the company. Before that meeting, find out who they are. Before that negotiation, research their previous deals.

I’ll distill it down to four core, actionable ideas:


1. **Do your homework.** Information is easy to get but _good_ information can still be elusive. Spend the time.
2. **Talk to people.** Maybe you don’t have Sun Tzu’s “spies” but lots of info you need is not online; it’s in people’s heads. Call them.
3. **Don’t get cocky.** Hubris is the enemy. Confidence is great but never fall into the trap of thinking you know it all. Question yourself or, better yet, have a friend do it for you.
4. **Don’t give up easy.** You may lack for money or manpower but who knows what crazy information the opposition might be working from? As Sun Tzu said, great leaders don’t just gather information, they actively exploit and manipulate the assumptions of the other side.

[Lawrence of Arabia](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0088OINTU/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0088OINTU&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20) didn’t have better info than the Turks. In fact, he didn’t objectively have _anything_ better than the Turks.

But he knew one thing the Turks absolutely assumed was true: _Nobody would attack Aqaba from the desert._ It was suicide. It was insane.


Knowing that assumption, [Lawrence](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1617201839/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1617201839&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20) had all the information he needed to surprise the enemy — and devastate them.

Via [David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316204366/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316204366&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

History’s greatest minds have always been accused of being crazy.

**_But you’re not crazy if you know something that they don’t._**

**Join 45K+ readers.** Get a free weekly update via email [here](http://eepurl.com/o6uAD).

Related posts:

[Lessons From The Samurai: The Secret To Always Being At Your Best](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/02/samurai/)

[4 Lifehacks From Ancient Philosophers That Will Make You Happier](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/01/ancient-philosophers/)

[What 10 things should you do every day to improve your life?](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/05/what-10-things-should-you-do-every-day-to-imp/)

_This piece originally appeared on_ [_Barking Up the Wrong Tree_](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/)_._

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