Perhaps U.S. military planners in Afghanistan should have followed the advice of Sun Tzu more closely.

Sun Tzu, the legendary Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher, and writer, lived during the Eastern Zhou period (771–256 BC). Born in the state of Qi, Sun Tzu’s aristocratic background and military expertise profoundly shaped his career, especially after his service in the state of Wu. It is believed that he lived during the Spring and Autumn period of China’s history, around the 5th century BCE. Although much of his life remains shrouded in mystery and speculation, with some suggesting he may be a mythical figure, his influence is anything but imaginary.

Sun Tzu is most famous for his seminal work, The Art of War, which has left an indelible mark not only on Eastern and Western military strategy but also on leadership, philosophy, and political thought. This ancient text, comprising 13 chapters, each dedicated to a different aspect of warfare—such as planning, attack, defense, espionage, and diplomacy—continues to resonate across various fields today.

While originally conceived as a military manual, The Art of War transcends its martial roots. Its teachings are equally applicable to business, personal development, sports, and many other domains. The authenticity and relevance of Sun Tzu’s wisdom have stood the test of time, with his principles being integrated into academic curricula across the globe, ensuring that students and professionals alike derive maximum benefit.

Sun Tzu’s strategic doctrines are studied not only by military leaders but also in international relations, business administration, and other major disciplines. Unlike the works of many scholars, which may lose relevance over time, Sun Tzu’s teachings remain as applicable today as they were in his era. His insights play a crucial role in maintaining peace, avoiding conflicts, and enhancing strategic planning, whether in military or civilian contexts.

One of Sun Tzu’s most famous precepts is “Know yourself, know your enemy.” This principle, as timeless as it is profound, is as relevant today as it was in ancient times. Sun Tzu encapsulates this idea in the phrase: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” The essence of this wisdom is clear: success is predicated on understanding both oneself and one’s adversary. Without this dual awareness, victory is uncertain, and defeat is likely.

To achieve true success, it is crucial to know both yourself and your enemy. Sun Tzu warns that if you understand only yourself and not your enemy, you risk equal measures of victory and defeat. Conversely, knowing only your enemy leaves you vulnerable, as your own weaknesses may be exploited. Thus, comprehensive knowledge of both sides is essential for success.

The implications of this principle are vast, affecting various aspects of life and conflict. Let’s break down this precept into two parts for a deeper understanding.

Part One: Know Yourself

Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of self-awareness. Knowing your strengths, weaknesses, capabilities, and potential allows you to operate strategically and transform weaknesses into strengths. This self-knowledge prevents your enemy from exploiting your vulnerabilities. Conversely, lacking self-awareness makes it easier for your enemy to defeat you.

Part Two: Know Your Enemy

Just as crucial as self-awareness is understanding your enemy. By comprehending their strengths, weaknesses, capabilities, and strategies, you gain a significant advantage. Knowing your enemy’s vulnerabilities is often the key to victory.

Thanks to the rapid flow of information, discovering your enemy’s strengths and weaknesses is less challenging in contemporary times than in Sun Tzu’s era. However, understanding an adversary’s intangible and invisible aspects—such as their true motivations or hidden capabilities—remains crucial. Deception and surprise in conflict rely heavily on these intangibles.

The interconnectedness of knowing yourself and your enemy cannot be overstated. Neglecting either aspect can lead to failure. Sun Tzu wisely advises that a commander should think a hundred times before entering a war, as the consequences impact both sides of the conflict.

A modern example of this principle in action is the war in Afghanistan, a conflict that stretched nearly 20 years. On October 7, 2001, the United States launched military operations in Afghanistan in response to the 9/11 attacks. The U.S. strategy involved three phases: the swift collapse of the Taliban, the military defeat of Taliban forces combined with efforts to rebuild Afghan institutions, and a shift to counterinsurgency under President Barack Obama, marked by a temporary surge in U.S. troop presence.

The U.S. believed it could quickly end the war by leveraging its technological superiority and military might. However, it failed to fully apply Sun Tzu’s principle of “know yourself, know your enemy.” The U.S. underestimated Afghanistan’s resilience and did not adequately assess the strengths, weaknesses, and unconventional warfare tactics—such as guerrilla warfare—that the Taliban employed. The protracted nature of the conflict, which ultimately culminated in the U.S. withdrawal, not only tarnished America’s image but also strained its economy and military.

Sun Tzu’s precept “Know yourself, know your enemy” remains widely applicable across all areas of life. Had the U.S. better understood Afghanistan and itself, the outcome might have been different. Sun Tzu’s teachings, still relevant today, offer valuable lessons that, if followed, could lead to success and development, much like the progress seen in modern China.