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The reality is most of us will not be field generals leading or defending against a physical war. But, in politics, the reality is that you will eventually need to wage war. When you engage in that war, you need to assume that it will be brutal. You need to take your opponent seriously – very seriously. And you should be prepared to fight with every available resource and to use every physical and psychological advantage. At the same time, you need to fully assess the true strengths and weaknesses of all sides and be prepared when something inevitably goes wrong.

In my travels, I’ve had to engage with a hostile political opponent or operation from time to time and I’ve learned a thing or two along the way. Having the book “Art of War” as a fixture on my nightstand has always provided me with some comfort and instruction during those engagements.

As some readers might recall, I wrote about this book and its teachings some 18 months ago, but I feel compelled now to revisit this timeless piece. To the new readers, let me give you some background to get this party started.

The Art of War is a military guide that has been stood the test of time for at least 1,500 years. Military leaders from around the world have used this treatise as a guide to prepare themselves for battle. This book was based on the writings of Sun Tzu, who is regarded as a legend or deity in some cultures. While the origin and exact background of Sun Tzu is somewhat murky, the timeless advice he provided is applicable to actual war, politics, and also one’s personal and professional lives. I have tried to reduce some of the more relevant principles to a few short and concise sentences below.

1. Know yourself and your enemy – knowing the strengths and weaknesses of not only yourself, but also your opponent is critical for success.
2. Success is obtained or lost well before a battle begins. Careful strategy and preparation are key to providing the necessary winning edge.
3. Engage in battle only when you have the clear advantage. Don’t engage in wars or battles on multiple fronts, unless necessary.
4. All warfare is based on deception. When we attack, we must seem unable; when using forces, we must seem inactive; when we are far, we must seem near; when we are near, we must seem far away.
5. Wars or battles must be shortened and not prolonged.
6. The best victory is one without engagement. Diplomacy and negotiation can break an enemy’s resistance.
7. Wage war in manner to conserve resources.
8. Speed and efficiency can provide the needed advantage. Timely decision making can make or break a battle. Be decisive.
9. Be flexible and adaptable as the situation remains fluid. The field is dynamic, and the winning side is often the side that sees the field, adapts to new facts, and leans forward.
10. Leaders must lead and not be fazed by losses or negative circumstances. Great leaders avoid recklessness, over-cautiousness, and vanity.
11. Leaders make decisions objectively and don’t allow their emotions to cloud their judgement.

While political fights are not necessarily fun, they are occasionally necessary. A war or ferocious battle along the way may set the appropriate tone to define you to potential future adversaries; or in other cases, serve to scare off prospective warlords. And that runs directly to one of my favorite teachings found in the Art of War: “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” This very quote hangs in my office at the law firm, courtesy of my law school buddy, David Catuogno.

Let me end this column with one last thought. If you find yourself looking down the barrel of an inescapable conflict, I suggest that you use some of the principles found in this indelible book. You will find the war or fight to be more winnable, if not avoidable.

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