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Sun Tzu on Risk
Sun Tzu is, above all, about managing risk: not taking fights you cannot win, preserving your capital, and only committing when the odds favor you. This is the essence of prudent decision-making under uncertainty.
Sun Tzu lessons for this
“The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand.”
Sun Tzu · Chapter 1: Laying Plans
“There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare.”
Sun Tzu · Chapter 2: Waging War
“Though we have heard of stupid haste in war, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.”
Sun Tzu · Chapter 2: Waging War
Put it into practice
Sun Tzu’s strategy is only useful if you actually use it. Try this small loop the next time risk shows up:
- Read the situation. Gather information about yourself, the other side, and the environment before you commit.
- Choose your ground. Avoid the other side’s strength and strike where you have an advantage.
- Act with timing. Move fast when the moment is right, and wait when patience is the advantage.