Introduction Flashcards
What does society say about combativeness & aggression?
It says that they lead to isolation and unpopularity
What does society say is better than combativeness and aggression?
Harmony and cooperation
What causes us to become less combative and aggressive in the world?
Our fear of isolation is triggered by society’s assertion that combativeness and aggression lead to isolation and unpopularity.
What are the 3 possible ways to deal with aggressive impulses?
- Repress
- Deny
- Channel
What is the best way to deal with aggressive impulses?
Channel them
Are conflicts inevitable?
Yes
What are the 3 things you should NOT do when faced with inevitable conflict?
- Try to avoid all conflict
- Get emotional and lash out
- Turn sly and manipulative
What are the 3 things you SHOULD do when faced with inevitable conflict?
- Think ahead toward your long-term goals
- Know how to control and channel your emotions
- Decide which fights to avoid and which are inevitable
What are the four pillars of fighting style that you should adhere to if you’re forced to fight?
- Indirection
- Subtle Manoeuvre
- Hard-to-trace manipulations
- Maintain a peaceful exterior
Why not go all out and wage aggressive war?
Too many hidden costs, even if you win
What are the hidden costs of all-out aggressive war?
- Exhaustion
- Self-destruction
What is Sun Tzu’s idea of ideal victory?
Winning without bloodshed
What is the logic behind Sun Tzu’s idea of ideal victory?
Winning without bloodshed means victory at much lower cost. This means your empire can thrive for longer periods of time.
What are the four pillars of Sun Tzu’s ideal victory?
- Psychological weaknesses
- Precarious positions
- Frustration
- Mental Breakdown
Tell me about Sun Tzu’s thoughts with respect to psychological weaknesses
He preaches to play on the opponent’s psychological weaknesses
Win without bloodshed :: Precarious Positions
Manoeuvre the opponent into precarious positions
Win without bloodshed :: Frustration
Induce feelings of frustration & confusion
Win without bloodshed :: Mental breakdown
Get the other side to break down mentally before surrendering physically
What do you achieve by expressing your thoughts, feelings and wants?
Warm, fuzzy feeling
If you really want something, what should you do?
Strategise, NOT express your feelings and desires.
If you really desire something, what is the bare minimum necessity?
You MUST be READY and ABLE to fight for it.
If you desire something, what is the exact wrong thing to do?
Express your feelings and desires, and expect it to happen.
Before the game starts, you say “I want to win.” The opponent scoffs. Why?
Of COURSE you WANT to win. EVERYONE wants to win. But CAN you? Are you CAPABLE? Are you WILLING to do what is necessary?
If you never master strategy, what is life full of?
Confusion and defeat
If you master strategy, what does life become?
Peaceful and productive.
Why does life become peaceful when you master strategy?
Because you master the way to win without violence
What are the fundamental ideals for transforming yourself into a strategic warrior?
- Look at things as they are, not as your emotions colour them
- Judge people by their actions
- Depend on your own arms
- Worship Athena, not Ares
- Elevate yourself above the battlefield
- Spiritualise your warfare