The Art of War: Know Yourself, Know Your Enemy

Relationships are central to the human experience. Whether with family, friends, or in business, our interactions shape much of our lives.

A healthy relationship requires a deep understanding of oneself and the person we seek to engage with. Without this foundation, all other efforts are compromised.

This principle becomes even more critical in times of conflict. To navigate war—literal or metaphorical—knowledge of both ourselves and our adversaries is indispensable.

No one articulated this better than Sun Tzu in The Art of War:

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.”

As Jews, we are all too familiar with the reality of enmity. For millennia, we have endured the world’s oldest hatred—anti-Semitism—manifesting as animosity, violence, and persecution from countless nations and generations.

Our tradition offers profound guidance in confronting such hatred. The Talmud highlights the wisdom of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a 2nd-century sage chosen by his peers to contend with the oppressive Roman regime. His insight endures: “It is the reality that Esau hates Jacob.”

This teaching remains relevant today. When facing adversaries, we must see them clearly, understanding their motivations and nature with absolute clarity. Only then can true victory be achieved.

At its core, anti-Semitism stems from a spiritual conflict. The Jewish people, chosen by G-d to be a light unto the nations, hold a unique role and purpose in the world. This calling has inspired admiration from many—and envy and hatred from others.

Our response must be rooted in the eternal wisdom of the Torah. As Sun Tzu taught and as our sages affirm: success lies in knowing yourself and knowing your enemy. Only then can we fulfill our mission and prevail.

Yosef Vogel