How is "The Art of War" useful in the modern day

Warren_Bates · 2017-04-02T16:45:32+00:00

I say it's useful as foundational knowledge for conflict. "all warfare is based on deception" - never show other people your hand. "strategy without tactics is the slowest way to victory, tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat" - if you have a goal, but you're trying to achieve it using the spray and pray method, it'll be slow going. If you have a set of skills (like pua) but you don't have any goals, you're really not accomplishing anything.

By itself, Sun Tzu is a series of aphorisms. Try to read some and then explore anecdotal evidence and examine what he is saying. It's an important read, but you have to do some work.

JuanLesPins · 2017-04-02T16:48:33+00:00

It's mostly the psychological war part of it. Most of the wars are won through deception and making believe your army's strength is greater than reality.

It also gives you a glimpse into the importance of information and controlling information, gossip, and "truth", by using spies (enemies or otherwise) to get more power.

If you think, it's a text with ~2500 years and the teachings are still relevant. Don't just read the words, think and interpret. Extrapolate to our reality.

[deleted] · 2017-04-02T20:16:02+00:00

In the sense of dating and attracting women, the whole "be mysterious" thing comes to mind. Don't dump your whole story on her when you meet. Don't show all you've got. There are certain things that she'll probably find to be a turn off as she isn't attracted enough yet to overlook them. "...based on deception" probably shouldn't be taken literally- don't lie (unless you can provide "proof" or remember it well enough to keep it going, usually just to get laid) but instead entice- suggest intriguing things about yourself you've ALREADY established as part of your personality. (sidenote: i'm new to all this, but that makes sense to me and I hope it helps)

TheRedStoic · 2017-04-02T22:37:32+00:00

The art of war is, simply boiled down imo, making the risk not worth the reward.

You can do this by superior strategy, leverage, fear, raw might, or tactics.

But at the base, the value risked isn't worth the gain. It's all beautiful deception and /or exposition and leverage of your assets.

Every man should read it once a year, it's the gift that keeps on giving.

IVIaskerade · 2017-04-02T20:33:01+00:00

Have you ever heard the expression "All's fair in love and war"?

RedSkeller · 2017-04-02T21:40:32+00:00

Analyzing it as a metaphor would be more practical. The art of war is an instruction manual on being a tactician.

redditatt · 2017-04-03T03:34:28+00:00

"Know your enemy". Not that women are the enemy per se, but they are often the soldierettes of a paradigm that is against you- one that wants to pacify you and turn you into a beta bux wage slave. Your behaviors are the moves you make on the battlefield of your everyday life.

That said, The 48 Laws of Power is a much more relevant book to RP and modern life in general.

Title	How is "The Art of War" useful in the modern day
Author	TRP_alt_alt
Upvotes	9
Comments	7
Date	April 2, 2017 3:58 PM UTC (9 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/630e4r/how_is_the_art_of_war_useful_in_the_modern_day/
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