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The Art of War contains 13 short essays that focus on different topics related to military strategy, often using lists of specific factors and situations. While each essay addresses different, specific aspects of warfare, there are several recurring concepts. In Essays I-III, Sun Tzu discusses the need for advanced planning and the implementation of effective tactics. In the first essay, he discusses the five factors that dictate the art of war. He states that victory can be predicted by examining which leader has a better understanding of the five factors. In the second essay, he discusses the importance of resource management and the need for effective supply lines, which should be planned well in advance. In the third essay, he describes the importance of decisive victories to limit the loss of life on both sides of the conflict. This becomes a recurring theme. He then describes the three misfortunes that befall armies with bad leadership, and the five essentials for victory. The essentials for victory are presented as statements detailing what an effective leader must do.

Read about a quote (#1) from the first essay that some believe summarizes the entire book.

In Essays IV-VI, Sun Tzu discusses specific parts of military methodology that contribute to victory. In the fourth essay, he contrasts the concepts of striving for victory and avoiding defeat. The second half of that essay focuses on the five parts of the military method, which are derived sequentially. The fifth essay starts with a discussion of direct and indirect tactics, then pivots to a philosophical view of resource management, using a series of metaphors to explain the application of energy. The sixth essay combines ideas from the fourth and fifth essays with specific examples of how to employ resources and attack effectively. Each of these essays refers back to the importance of knowledge and planning.

Read about Main Idea #1: The outcome of wars can be predicted before they start.

Essays VII-X delve further into the physical application of movement and tactics. The seventh essay discusses the challenges of moving large quantities of troops and supplies. It also addresses the inherent challenges of moving in enemy territory and the dangers of forcing an army to march farther than normal. The essay concludes with a thorough examination of communication systems. Warfare in Sun Tzu’s time relied on gongs, drums, banners, and flags to communicate orders to different groups of soldiers over large distances. In the eighth essay, he discusses the need to vary one’s tactics, building upon the previous essay. He also includes the five dangerous faults that a leader might have, which often prove disastrous. The ninth essay gives specific instructions on how to deal with different geographical and weather conditions. The essay further examines limitations of large quantities of ground troops as well as handling discipline. The tenth essay discusses types of terrain as they relate to battlefield engagements. The second half of this essay examines the six calamities that a leader might be responsible for and the causes of each.

Read a brief context essay about the impact of The Art of War in fields far beyond warfare.

Essays XI-XII give supplementary information: the “nine situations,” attacking with fire, and using spies. In the eleventh essay, the “nine situations” refer to the potential tactical situations that an army will face and how a leader should approach them. This essay also discusses overall morale. The twelfth essay gives specific instructions regarding the use of fire when waging war, both to burn supplies and enemy soldiers. The end of the essay offers a philosophical observation regarding the loss of lives and kingdoms to warfare and how they can never be replaced. The final essay discusses the different types of spies and how they are most effectively used. Sun Tzu heavily endorses the use of spies, especially the conversion of enemy spies. This relates back to the need for extensive knowledge of the enemy for success.

Read about what is known about Sun Tzu, the author of The Art of War.

Previous section Section 4: Essays XI-XIII

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