Sun Tzu, the Chinese military strategist from around (historians are uncertain) the 6th century BC, is famous for the (still studied at West Point) book The Art of War. There are 13 short chapters, each on a different aspect of warfare. The first chapter is “Laying Plans,” and the last, “The Use of Spies.” The Art of War is ostensibly about warfare, but it finds many applications in other aspects of life. It is a short book that you can read in an afternoon but study for a lifetime of critical decisions to be made.
One such decision is for the upcoming Presidential election. Let us see how following or not the advice of the master during the campaigns can lead to victory or defeat on November 5th.
Here are nine quotes that have ready application to the campaign for the Presidency of the United States (from the edition edited by James Clavell):
- “The Commander stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness.”
Which candidate stands for those virtues? Trump wisely began no new wars, and the world was generally at peace. He is plainspoken and transparent with no hidden agenda. He wants to unite the country instead of continuing the division of America through identity politics. Courage displayed most recently in the assassination attempt of July 13 resulting in his defiant, fist raised stand and that iconic photo. As to strictness, he is an executive who actually expects accountability from his cabinet. Has Kamala been witnessed exhibiting any of these virtues stated by Sun Tzu?
- “The skillful leader subdues the enemy’s troops without any fighting.”
This will be measured by voter turnout. Both candidates will try to discourage those in the other camp from making the effort to vote. Voter turnout is usually determined by voter enthusiasm. We have seen Trump’s rallies of 50,000-plus including in lands traditionally strongly Democrat. It will be interesting to see if after the new nominee’s glow has faded, whether Kamala can attract large crowds and if she can speak coherently for over an hour off the cuff as her opponent routinely does.
- “He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.”
Which party is united by the same spirit throughout its ranks? We saw apparent unanimity at the remarkable Republican convention, which for the party’s base was spectacular in the speakers’ effectiveness and also for the obvious gladness on the faces of the convention goers throughout the four evenings. The Democrats have yet to have their turn, but the bar has been set extremely high by their opposition.
- “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory you will also suffer a defeat.”
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