The Art of War: Strategy for Life and Business

Breni's Art of War path teaches strategy through three classic books. There are 3 courses: The Art of War by Sun Tzu, The 33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene, and The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi. Sun Tzu sets out planning and knowing your opponent, Greene maps military history onto daily conflict, and Musashi shows how a master trains. Learners finish by planning their approach to one real contest.

  • 3 courses
  • 50 learning objectives
  • Level: beginner
  • Language: English
  • Price: Subscription, free trial

What you will be able to do

  • Explain the main ideas of each chapter of The Art of War
  • Use "know the enemy and know yourself" to plan a contest
  • Find ways to win without a head-on fight
  • Describe the five books of The Book of Five Rings
  • Apply a strategy from history to a work or sport situation

Full curriculum

Part 1 · The original text

1. The Art of War by Sun Tzu: Think Like a Strategist

Apply Sun Tzu's ideas on planning, deception and knowing your opponent. Units, in order: Laying plans; Winning without fighting; Know the enemy and know yourself; Weak points and strong; Terrain and timing; The use of spies.

  • — Laying Plans and Waging War
    Learn the core factors and financial costs of war.
    • Five constant factors
    • War is deception
    • Cost of war
  • — Winning Without Fighting
    Discover how to subdue the enemy without battles.
    • Subdue without fighting
    • Avoid sieges
  • — Knowing Enemy and Self
    Master tactical positions, energy, and mutual knowledge.
    • Secure against defeat
    • Direct and indirect
    • Know enemy and self
  • — Weak and Strong Points
    Learn manœuvring, timing, and tactical variation.
    • Strike weak points
    • Tactical manœuvring
    • Varying tactics
  • — Terrain and Timing
    Navigate marches, terrain, and various ground situations.
    • Marching the army
    • Terrains and ground
    • Nine battlegrounds
  • — Spies and Fire
    Use fire attacks and intelligence networks effectively.
    • Attacking with fire
    • Five classes of spies

Part 2 · Modern and martial strategy

2. The 33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene: Handle Everyday Conflict

Use lessons from military history to handle conflict at work and in life. Units, in order: Self-directed warfare; Defensive strategies; Offensive strategies; Unconventional warfare; Read history with care.

  • — Read History and Foundations
    Learn the core ideals of strategic thinking from military history.
    • Strategic warrior ideals
    • See things clearly
  • — Self-Directed Warfare
    Declare war on your own mental weaknesses and past habits.
    • Declare war on enemies
    • Avoid the last war
    • Maintain presence of mind
    • Create urgency
  • — Organizational Warfare
    Build speed, mobility, and unity within your team or group.
    • Avoid groupthink
    • Segment your forces
    • Transform into crusade
  • — Defensive Warfare
    Fight with economy, know when to retreat, and deter aggressors.
    • Pick battles carefully
    • Turn the tables
    • Create threatening presence
    • Trade space for time
  • — Offensive Warfare
    Plan campaigns, know your enemy, and overwhelm resistance with speed.
    • Grand strategy
    • Know your enemy
    • Blitzkrieg strategy
    • Control the dynamic
  • — Unconventional Warfare
    Use indirect tactics, deception, and psychological maneuvers in conflicts.
    • Unconventional methods
    • Penetrate minds

3. The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi: Master Your Craft

Use Musashi's five books to train with purpose and adapt in a contest. Units, in order: Musashi's life and duels; The Earth book; The Water book; The Fire book; The Wind and Void books.

  • — Musashi Life and Early Duels
    Learn early life and famous duels of Miyamoto Musashi.
    • Early Life and First Duels
    • The Duel with Sasaki Kojiro
    • Two Sword Style
  • — The Earth Book Strategy Basics
    Explore foundational strategy and timing from the earth book.
    • Strategy as a House
    • Timing in All Skills
    • Nine Ground Principles
  • — The Water Book Flexibility and Stance
    Master flexibility and fluid combat attitudes like flowing water.
    • Flexibility Like Water
    • Five Attitudes of Swordsmanship
    • Flowing Water Cut Technique
  • — The Fire Book Battle Tactics
    Understand combat methods and initiative principles in battles.
    • Environment and High Ground
    • Three Methods to Forestall
    • Deranged Rhythm and Collapse
  • — The Wind and Void Books
    Study other schools and the ultimate mindset of emptiness.
    • Appraising Other Schools
    • The Book of the Void
    • The Dokkodo Precepts

Sample: The Art of War by Sun Tzu: Think Like a Strategist

The opening tier, (Laying Plans and Waging War). Learn the core factors and financial costs of war.

Five constant factors

Master the five constant factors that govern all warfare.

War is deception

Understand that all warfare is based on deception.

Cost of war

Calculate the heavy financial costs and burdens of long wars.

Questions about The Art of War: Strategy for Life and Business

What is The Art of War about?

It is an ancient Chinese text on strategy in 13 chapters, covering planning, deception, terrain and spies. Its best-known idea is that the best victory comes without fighting.

Can The Art of War be used in business?

Yes, many readers apply its ideas on preparation and knowing your opponent to business and sport. The course teaches the text first, then shows these uses.

What are the five books in The Book of Five Rings?

Musashi's five books are Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Void.

Is Breni affiliated with the authors?

No. Breni is not affiliated with Robert Greene or their publishers.

Do I get a certificate?

Yes, finishing all 3 courses earns a Breni certificate of completion.

Related learning paths

Start The Art of War: Strategy for Life and Business

Get Breni on Google Play and start The Art of War: Strategy for Life and Business Download on the App Store