April First: The "Perfect" Day To Honor the Cult of the Art of War

Source: The Atlantic
( updated on 04.09.15, 12:00 noon )

The number of ways that the amateurs have conceptualize the essence of Sunzi's essay on strategic competition- (Sunzi's Art of War) into rules and simplifications, have somewhat "confounded" us (for a brief moment) in terms of their naivety.

These amateurs really believed that the utilization of heuristic rules, simple graphs and Venn diagrams could solve the complexity of life.

Some of these result-oriented winners usually look at life in terms of a black box.  They are rarely ever concerned about the inner workings of the box as long as the grand benefit of the projected result outweighs the drawbacks.  Simultaneously, these people rarely consider the possible "reciprocity" from their actions.

Because of their social-economic standings, they really believed that most of their life is like a "1+1=2"  equation.

In a complex (disinformation-driven) society like ours, is the number "1" really a number "1" ?


Hagy's Book
Click here  on how Jessica Hagy simplifies the message of Sunzi.

Visually and conceptually, her book is superb for the "simple solution-driven"novices and the pseudo cult leaders who loathed deep thinking and long memories.

It is perfect for the pop culture-driven society who are always demanding simplicity in their empty lives.

In summary, some of us have seen the book, and liked it for its visual content.  The context is great but the details are missing.

We recommended this book for the newbies and the novices who preferred a simple perspective for solving problems and who are participating in other minor competitive situations.

The Questions of the Day
Q: Regardless of the simplicity of her view, do you think that you can succeed with that two-dimensional perspective  in a complex, multi-dimensional strategic situation while the clock is ticking?

Q: If there is an err in your decision, are you able to absorb the after-effect? . . . Or will your associate asked their own pawns to target their "finger of blame" at someone else for the obvious reason?

Q: Do you think that the knowledge of knowing the different philosophic approaches to solving strategic problems (from the Art of War), will help you in a competitive situation that encompasses the essence of complexity?

Q: Do you know how to pinpoint the correct set of tactical means that connects the wide array of operational modes to that suggested approach?

Q: Instead of spending your time assessing the Big Tangible Picture (identifying the catalyst level within the abyss of complexity and conclude the advantageous exception in a cyber minute), are you going to search for that unique set of favorite quotes that would inspire you to greater heights?

Q: When the "feel good" magic of the book disappears and the reality of your life creeps back into the attic of your mind, how are you going to decide your next move?

Q: Are you going to contact your guru and ask for "a clear shine" of a solution?

Thoughts From The Compass Desk
In summary, do you think that there is more to the concept of "tangible strategy" than the current "simple" broadcast of Sunzi's Art of War principles?

To the Cult of the Art of War, enjoy your day.  ...

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It is time for us to return to some serious fishing.