prepare for war

The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.

Sun Tzu

The concept of war, metaphorically, often mirrors the trials and tribulations we face in life. These battles, whether against disease, poverty, or our own limitations, are a testament to our personal struggles. In these challenging times, many find solace and guidance in spiritual beliefs. We’ll explore how the principles within Islamic teachings and other spiritual traditions provide a robust framework to tackle life’s metaphorical wars, echoing the wisdom of Sun Tzu in his renowned work, The Art of War.

Sun Tzu famously wrote, “The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.” This philosophy parallels with the development of a “warrior” mindset within many spiritual teachings. This mindset, combining resilience, discipline, and optimism, is rooted in faith or trust in a higher power. For instance, Islam speaks of tawakkul, a profound trust that forms a mental stronghold, encouraging us to perceive adversities as opportunities for growth. This trust, coupled with action, illustrates Sun Tzu’s wisdom, emphasizing the significance of readiness over the mere anticipation of hardships.

Secondly, echoing Sun Tzu’s philosophy, spiritual teachings universally advocate for fortifying our defences. They encourage us to acknowledge our vulnerabilities and actively seek self-improvement, thereby making our “position unassailable.” Faith is thus not an escape, but an invitation to confront our limitations and convert them into strengths.

The importance of community and fellowship is also emphasized in spiritual traditions, resonating with Sun Tzu’s strategy of unity and preparedness. These teachings remind us that we’re not alone in our battles, underscoring the value of support from positive, uplifting individuals and the broader community.

Strategic planning and adaptability are core teachings within spiritual traditions, reflecting Sun Tzu’s wisdom. Islam, for example, urges believers to align their personal goals with serving God and the community, creating a sense of direction and fulfilment amidst life’s uncertainties.

Lastly, spiritual teachings universally endorse the pursuit of knowledge. Continuous learning and self-improvement equip us with the necessary skills and understanding to navigate life’s challenges, making our position strong and “unassailable.”

In conclusion, preparing for life’s metaphorical wars involves resilience, self-improvement, community support, strategic planning, and continuous learning—core principles within many spiritual traditions. Like Sun Tzu’s art of war, these teachings illustrate that faith is not a weakness, but a powerful resource of strength, hope, and wisdom. Faith empowers individuals to face any challenge with courage and, ultimately, emerge victorious.

Cite this article as: menj, "prepare for war," in Mohd Elfie Nieshaem Juferi, July 15, 2023, https://menj.org/prepare-for-war/.