Sun Tzu – Conflict
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
Sun Tzu
Big Idea
Conflict consumes people of all ages. What makes conflict so taxing is the uncertainty in knowing how to deal with it in healthy ways. The simplest way to think about resolving conflict with other people is to choose domination through force and confrontation and, in dramatic cases, violence. That action carries dramatic consequences. Then, there’s the softer, kinder approach which has the same goal but often takes longer and requires a wellspring of patience. Our choices surrounding conflict dictate the health of our relationships and leave indelible marks on our own character.
Claim
According to Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu, when you are in conflict with your enemies, don’t use violence to achieve your ends. Use clever persuasion or other non-violent means.
Counterclaim
Fighting is the best way to get what you want. Persuasion conveys weakness and is ineffective.
Essential
Question
Is fighting the best way to get what you want?
