Old Dog, New Tricks

I went away for a relaxing weekend, far from cell phone reception and internet access. Given my recent post about not being able to turn it off at the end of the day, maybe it is slightly ironic that I packed two books: The Art of Agile Development and The Art of War.

The Art of War is one of those books I like to pick up from time to time. I am not a fan of comparing war to sports or work, there is no comparison. The book is a good read though for understanding strategy, how to utilize resources, and human interactions. Many of the concepts are applicable to daily life.

I found an interesting passage in The Art of War that could be applied to the concept of Energized Work.

In War,
   Victory should be swift
   If victory is slow,
   Men tire, morale sags
   Sieges exhaust strength;
   Protracted campaigns
   Strain the public treasury.

If men are tired,
   Morale low,
   Strength exhausted,
   Treasure Spent;
Then the feudal lords
   Will exploit the disarray
   And attack.
   This even the wisest
   Will be powerless
   To mend.