The Art of War, attributed to Sun Tzu, was written about 2500 years ago. Since then it has been translated into dozens of languages and has influenced countless military leaders. A few decades ago, it became popular reading in business circles and, since then, has embedded itself in popular culture, showing up in venues from The Sopranos to WWE Smackdown to Family Guy.

One could reasonably ask how relevant the English translation of a French translation of a 2500 year-old Chinese book on war is to those facing the challenges of today’s business. The real question is whether such a work is relevant at all. The answer is: even after 2500 years it is still relevant because it addresses strategy, and strategy doesn’t change—over time, across geography, or from one arena of competition to another. Tactics, on the other hand change constantly. Sun Tzu’s spies peeped through keyholes while today’s interpret satellite intercepts. The tactics have changed, but knowledge of your opponent’s plans is always good strategy.