War Was Written Well Over Two Thousand Years Ago By...

The Art of War was written well over two thousand years ago by Chinese philosopher and military General Sun Tzu. Yet, the thirteen chapters contained within the book still hold relevant in today’s modern times of warfare and decision-making. The contents of the book revolve around one main theme, how to be an effective leader and have a strategy that will win wars. There are several interpretations of the message that Sun Tzu was relaying, this essay will focus on Lionel Giles translation. A secondary source will be used to help show insight into the nature of human beings and how the world works. This paper will also focus on ideas found throughout the primary source that could apply to any human endeavor. An endeavor could be the steps†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"The art of war, then, is governed by five constant factors, to be taken into account in one’s deliberations, when seeking to determine the conditions obtaining in the field†. Once an individual is faced with having to make a choice, human nature kicks in. As in war, there are factors that come into play. Decisions can be influenced by one’s morals, such as which choice is the right choice. Personal choices can also be directed at wanting to remain consistent with one’s previous when it comes to a goal. Game theory and war strategies have to make these same decisions. â€Å"Game theory seeks to isolate general, abstract principles of decision-making when the outcomes of people’s choices depend on what others decide and when everyone is aware of their mutual interdependence†. Whereas, the same holds true for war and the outcome it wants to achieve. Generals have to look at how armies are trained on both sides as well as the reward and punishment that the goal’s outcome will have. The initial chapters in Sun Tzu’s book look at extended conflict. Primarily that individual’s should try to avoid conflicts that exhaust resources. He says, â€Å"If the campaign is protracted, the resources of the State will not be equal to the strain†. Therefore, a person’s decision should not be based on just obtaining a goal. It should be also about what it will cost to achieve the goal and if the cost is worth it. Normally one has to give