Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the

Sun Tzu, the timeless master of strategy, declared with a voice that still echoes through centuries: “Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.” These words, taken from The Art of War, pierce to the very heart of conflict. They teach us that the highest form of victory does not come from overwhelming strength on the battlefield, nor from destroying armies with sheer might, but from striking at the very design of the enemy’s plan. To unravel the enemy’s strategy is to defeat them before the battle is even joined, to break their purpose while their weapons are yet sheathed.

The origin of this wisdom lies in the Warring States period of ancient China, when rival kingdoms contended endlessly for survival and supremacy. Sun Tzu observed that those who fought blindly against armies often exhausted themselves in blood and ruin, while those who sought to pierce the enemy’s intent triumphed with fewer losses. He counseled rulers and generals that true mastery was not brute force, but foresight: discern the enemy’s aim, confound their alliances, disrupt their preparations, and victory will be won without need for endless slaughter. Thus, to attack the strategy is the highest form of art in war.

The meaning of this teaching runs deep, far beyond the battlefield. For in every conflict—whether of nations, businesses, or even the struggles of life itself—it is not enough to strike at the surface. One must strike at the root. To oppose an enemy’s strength is to fight on their terms; to oppose their strategy is to deny them the field of their choosing. In this, Sun Tzu calls us to wisdom: see deeper than others see, think further than others think, and you will triumph not by force, but by insight.

History offers powerful examples. Consider the Second World War, when the Allies sought to break the German war machine. Had they only confronted Germany’s armies head-on, the cost would have been immeasurable. Instead, they sought to strike at Germany’s strategy: cutting supply lines, crippling industry through bombing, deceiving the high command with false invasions, and breaking the will of its alliances. The D-Day landings themselves succeeded in part because of deception—Operation Fortitude—which convinced Hitler that the invasion would come at Calais. By striking not only at troops but at strategy, the Allies turned the tide of war.

Or recall the great struggle of the American Revolution. Britain possessed the strongest navy and one of the finest armies in the world. To meet them directly in open battle would have meant destruction for the fledgling colonies. Instead, Washington and his commanders attacked Britain’s strategy: they avoided decisive battles, stretched supply lines, wore down resolve, and secured French alliance. By undermining the British plan rather than confronting their strength alone, the weaker side prevailed. Here Sun Tzu’s wisdom was made flesh: victory lies in breaking design, not merely in shedding blood.

And yet, this teaching is not only for nations—it is for every soul who struggles. When hardship assails you, do not merely react to its blows; seek instead to understand its strategy. If fear attacks you, learn the roots of that fear. If rivals oppose you, discern the purpose behind their actions rather than striking blindly. By seeing the design behind the surface, you gain the power to undo it. This is the secret of strength that endures—not reckless courage, but thoughtful vision.

The lesson for us, children of tomorrow, is this: in every conflict, strive to look beyond the obvious. Ask not only, “How do I resist this blow?” but “Why was this blow struck? What is the purpose behind it?” In life, as in war, the greatest victories come not from clashing endlessly with obstacles, but from understanding their nature and rendering them powerless. To attack the strategy is to win the war before the battle is joined.

Practical wisdom calls for action: train yourself in foresight, in patience, and in the art of discerning the hidden aims of others. Do not be content to fight only at the surface; pierce to the heart. In this way, you will waste less strength, endure fewer losses, and triumph with clarity. And remember always the teaching of Sun Tzu: the supreme importance in war is not the clash of armies, but the defeat of strategy. For in mastering this, you master not only your enemy, but also yourself.