# Is Sun Tzu The Art Of War overrated?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sun-tzu-the-art-of-war-overrated/719728>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [May 10, 2015, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sun-tzu-the-art-of-war-overrated/719728 "2015-05-10T22:28:05Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2015, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sun-tzu-the-art-of-war-overrated/719728/21 "2015-05-12T16:15:52Z")

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> [@leahcim](#):
>
> The 80s and 90s were also saw the expansion of “management culture” – the idea that the managers of a car plant and the managers of a travel agency have more in common with each other than they do with the regular employees of the industries they manage. The growth of “books for managers”, including Sun Tzu, came along with that.

But, sadly, the idea that all self-described managers oughta be shot didn’t not spread as far or wide or fast. We could all have avoided a heap of trouble and pain, I tell ya.

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**Author:** ![JustinC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justinc/32/8083_2.png) [@JustinC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustinC)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2015, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sun-tzu-the-art-of-war-overrated/719728/22 "2015-05-12T16:46:36Z")

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> [@doorhinge](#):
>
> Sun Tzu is more about forming strategies in order to win a conflict. The tactics can still be relevant. Lose a battle in one area in order to win a greater battle in another. Do not fight if you do not have to. Spy on everyone else. Know your enemy.
> 
> It’s certainly not the only tactical read required by military leaders, but it should not be ignored. After all, your opponent may have read it.

It’s also about forming strategies and using tactics that prevent another person (or opponent) from successfully using aggressive actions against you. Just by seeing how an action can _lead_ to others - given your wrong response - and instead helping you respond correctly can nullify many untoward outcomes. I agree with **Clothahump** in that subduing an ‘enemy’ (whether that ‘enemy’ is or is not) by circumventing the possibility of conflict is better than an out-and-out conflict where one of you is sure to be injured, in one way or another.

To me, **Ranger Jeff** , The Art of War is as important as Aesop’s Fables for growing young people, in that they both are quite benign when they can be used for everyday purposes, and neither subscribe to a certain doctrine that relies on beliefs or prejudices. I’d guess, for most people, Aesop’s Fables can be used by younger children and The Art of War is suitable for older teens and adults of any age.

**sonder999** , I disagree very strongly but to each their own.

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