As we noted in the last post, momentum comes only from surprise. As those unfamiliar with strategy observe this effect, it always surprises them. For example, in a recent article about the presidential primaries, the Atlantic's Marc Ambinder observes:

Momentum seems to skip the next state up and seems to benefit the person who exceeded expectations, rather than the winner.

Sun Tzu's system of strategic analysis works because it shines a light on what is overlooks, but once illuminated, those aspect of a strategic position instantly make sense to most people. For example, Sun Tzu's strategy teaches that all positions must be advanced. All existing positions erode over time.

Sun Tzu taught that strategic skills must be taught. They are not instinctive. A recent study comparing the decision-making of teenagers to adults drive home this point. An interesting aspect of this article is the inability of the scientists to express the concept of strategic decision-making. The closest they can come is to call it "the gist" of the situation.

Sun Tzu's strategy is the science of comparing relative positions. Sun Tzu's strategy offers a system for understanding the dynamics of positions. These dynamics create short-term random "jitters" in positions, but when you understand them, you can harness their power to create long-term progress in one direction or another.

Sun Tzu's strategy teaches that the subjective view of a situation is more important in terms of people's decisions than the objective situation. However, subjective viewpoints must be confirmed by their predictions of the future. A single viewpoint where no alternative views are allowed is a self-fullfilling prophecy. All the decisions make the subjective reality real. Only alternative viewpoints allow different, possible futures. This is why any student of strategy must seek alternative views. A single "concensus" view is nothing but blinders leading us down a single path.