Art of War by Sun Tzu

The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise written by Sun Tzu in the 6th century BC, during the Zhou dynasty. It is a comprehensive guide to strategies and tactics for successful warfare.

The exact quotes and strategies in the book may not have relevance. But the wisdom and core principles do hold.

1. Deception: Whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent. Appear weak when strong, strong when weak. Have a surprise. Don’t show your cards. When strong avoid them. If of high morale, depress them. Seem humble to fill them with conceit. If at ease, exhaust them. If united, separate them. Attack their weakness. Emerge to their surprise. Be extremely subtle even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent’s fate. When the enemy is relaxed make them toil. When full starve them. When settled make them move. Give what is not expected. 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 responses. And wait for an extraordinary moment. Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt
2. Easy retreat: Build opponent a golden bride to retreat. Always keep an easy option in front of enemy. When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard. An easy option is a decoy. It limits you. You will be tempted to choose an easy option.
3. Choosing battels: Avoid strong and strike weak. Avoid battles. Pick your own battles. Make battle exhausting for enemy. Know yourself and you shall win all the battles. There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare. Don’t get into conflict unless required. Make it quick.
4. Motivation: If the mind is winning the flesh could go on and on without many things. It is important to set a purpose before starting anything. That “why” should be of utmost importance. If nothing works out that “why” is going to save you. Be clear of your why.
5. Know your enemy: Rouse him and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots. If you know the enemy and yourself then you need not fear the result. If you know yourself but not the enemy, then for every victory gained you will suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor you then you will lose in every battle
6. Opportunities: There are not more than five colors, yet the combination can produce what is even unseen. Do not get limited by resources. You can create a lot from combinations of very few. Opportunities multiply as they are seized
7. People: Treat people as your own sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley. Even the finest sword plunged into salt water will rust.
8. Planning: Have a plan for the day and week and month and year and check if you are on the goal. Pick your battles. Spend your energy wisely. War is always possible. Pay attention to war signs. Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy are the noise before defeat. Be prepared for loss. Be prepared for losing your battle. You are stronger than you think.
9. Momentum: What is of great importance in war is extraordinary speed. One cannot afford to neglect opportunity. Speed helps more to avoid redundant parts. Break into small parts. Start fast. Momentum. First mover

Overall, The Art of War is a practical guide to strategies and tactics for warfare. Its ideas and principles can also be used in business and leadership, among other things.