Today is August 12, 2017, and it is Sonshi.com's 18th birthday! Many thoughts have transpired since our founding in 1999, but I have three today.
Thought #1: Share your wisdom
Current events regarding North Korea have brought up one important issue I have neglected to remind you all in a long time. Someone mentioned that Kim Jong-un, North Korea's leader, studies Sun Tzu's Art of War. My response? I hope so!
Why? Because in terms of people reading Sun Tzu's Art of War, I believe the more the merrier. If you have read and studied The Art of War, you would know that it teaches wisdom, caution, patience, practicality, and compassion. Do not attack when angry. Treat captured enemies well. The highest skill isn't to win 100 battles but to win without fighting.
If Kim Jong-un had read and understood those principles, then he would at the very least not take action, knowing he is outmatched and there is no practical gain for doing so. In other words, he would know when to fight and when not to fight.
People often view Sun Tzu's Art of War book as if it's a secret. Don't be like that. Share the work with everyone. Tell them to look beyond the title and read it in full before making judgment. Your friends will now understand you better, and your opponents will act more rationally and might even see you as a friend in time. You became wiser because of The Art of War, why not share it with others for the benefit of themselves, yourself, and the world around you?
Why? Because in terms of people reading Sun Tzu's Art of War, I believe the more the merrier. If you have read and studied The Art of War, you would know that it teaches wisdom, caution, patience, practicality, and compassion. Do not attack when angry. Treat captured enemies well. The highest skill isn't to win 100 battles but to win without fighting.
If Kim Jong-un had read and understood those principles, then he would at the very least not take action, knowing he is outmatched and there is no practical gain for doing so. In other words, he would know when to fight and when not to fight.
People often view Sun Tzu's Art of War book as if it's a secret. Don't be like that. Share the work with everyone. Tell them to look beyond the title and read it in full before making judgment. Your friends will now understand you better, and your opponents will act more rationally and might even see you as a friend in time. You became wiser because of The Art of War, why not share it with others for the benefit of themselves, yourself, and the world around you?
Thought #2: When in doubt, choose kindness and patience
As a dad, I have learned that the number one most effective teaching tool has been being an example. It's amazing how closely kids observe you and copy you. For example, don't be surprised if your child doesn't read the book you assigned him or her if you don't read yourself.
Children also respond well to kind and patient people. I remember when I was a kid, the people I try to avoid and refuse to listen to are always the mean and impatient ones. Nobody can do things perfect the first time; don't expect it from kids either.
And believe it or not, kids do try to please their parents. One major problem is the communication between parent and child isn't always clear, so we parents must be cognizant of this and try different approaches if the first attempt is unsuccessful.
Sun Tzu's principle of treating people like our own beloved children applies here as well. We don't treat people like children but treat them like our own children -- meaning our love for them is true. People would "advance to the deepest valley" with the leader and in the case of warfare, "they will die with him." That is leadership.
Children also respond well to kind and patient people. I remember when I was a kid, the people I try to avoid and refuse to listen to are always the mean and impatient ones. Nobody can do things perfect the first time; don't expect it from kids either.
And believe it or not, kids do try to please their parents. One major problem is the communication between parent and child isn't always clear, so we parents must be cognizant of this and try different approaches if the first attempt is unsuccessful.
Sun Tzu's principle of treating people like our own beloved children applies here as well. We don't treat people like children but treat them like our own children -- meaning our love for them is true. People would "advance to the deepest valley" with the leader and in the case of warfare, "they will die with him." That is leadership.
Thought #3: Invest in cool things
If you have been following Sonshi.com, we have recently acquired the domains ☮.com and ♀.com, not only because they are both in alignment with Sonshi.com but they are wonderfully short and simple ways for more people to learn about us and thus Sun Tzu's Art of War.
Until next time, take care of yourself and take care of each other.
Until next time, take care of yourself and take care of each other.
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