In chapter 1 of the first section Michaelson translates it from Sun Tzu's "The Art of War", and its first chapter title is "Laying Plans." He breaks this chapter into three sections that are thoroughly assess conditions, compare the seven attributes, and looking for strategic turns.
Thoroughly Assess Conditions is the first section of this chapter, and to make an assessment to predict outcome of war one must study various elements. Tzu points out five elements that are moral influence, weather, terrain, commander, and doctrine. He believe that whoever studies these elements to master them will win, and the one that does not will lose.
Compare the Seven Attributes is the next section that points to the importance of analyzing 7 comparisons to forecast victory, or defeat. Those seven elements are :
1. Which sovereign possess greater moral influence?
2. Which commander is more capable?
3. Which side holds more favorable conditions in weather and terrain?
4. On which sides decrees are better implemented?
5. Which side is superior in arms?
6. On which side are officers and men better trained?
7. Which side is stricter and more impartial in meting out rewards and punishments?
Looking for Strategic Turns is the last section of this chapter, and based upon the information Tzu believes that a commander must create a helpful situation that will help his side win battles. Tzu believe that all warfare is based upon deception. Deception creates opportunity for victory, and that comes from studying the five constant factors, and comparing the 7 attributes of warfare.
One of the statements come to mind when I think about "The Art of War" is that battles are won long before anyone steps out to the battlefield. Generals, or leaders in any field that understands this philosophy will spend countless hours in preparing for battle. They get the importance of laying plans, so based upon that it is important to me to be a student of life. A student of life is always studying to obtain the right information to create plans, and this is the foundation of the blueprint for success.
Free markets, and wars are great to compare to see how people in them are successful. Both of them are vital importance to the state, and nation. To be successful someone, or some people must first visualize it. Once it is visualize, than laying plans is need to go towards that visualization. This idea transcends into both free markets, and warfare. In order for ideas to be carried out it must lay a plan, and that it is why chapter 1 is important to read.
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