Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu
"Invincibility lies in the defense, the possibility of victory in the attack."

-Sun Tzu

"Sun Tzu-The Art Of War" is an ancient Chinese text, over 2000 years old, covering in depth the mechanical, philosophical, and strategic aspects of warfare.

The exact identity of the author is unknown and the best estimate of when it was written is between 400-320 B.C. Yet the collection of essays that makes up the Art of War is still revered by the worlds greatest military minds and in many ways is as relevant today as it was over 2 millennia ago. And not only is the Art of War relevant to warfare, but in a philosophical and strategic level, is relevant to sports like lacrosse and football, and in some ways to any form of competition.

Here are some more quotes taken from the Samuel B. Griffith translation of Sun Tzu:

"All warfare is based on deception."

"Offer the enemy a bait to lure him; feign disorder and strike him."

"Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemies strategy."

"If the general is unable to control his impatience and orders his troops to swarm up the wall like ants, one third of them will be killed without taking the city. Such is the calamity of these attacks."

"Know the enemy and know yourself."

"Invincibility depends on one's self; the enemies vulnerability on him."

"One defends when his strength is inadequate; he attacks when it is abundant."

"The experts in defense conceal themselves as under the ninefold earth; those skilled in attack move as from above the ninefold heavens. Thus they are capable both of protecting themselves and of gaining a complete victory."

"It is because of disposition that a victorious general is able to make his people fight with the effect of pent-up waters which, suddenly released, plunge into a bottomless abyss."

"When the strike of a hawk breaks the body of its prey, it is because of timing."

"Thus, the potential of troops skillfully commanded in battle may be compared to that of round boulders which roll down from mountain heights."

These are just some of the ideas expressed in the Art of War. It is easy to see the parallels to lacrosse. For a great read, go to the library or book store and get:

"Sun Tzu-The Art of War"
Translated by Samuel B. Griffith
Oxford University Press