Podcast Summary

Podcast: 思維槓桿
Hosts: 米克 x 麥可
Episode: 重點不是贏，而是活下來 (孫子兵法上)【S5EP30】
Date: 2025-06-26

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of “思維槓桿,” hosts 米克 and 麥可 unpack the timeless wisdom from “The Art of War” (孫子兵法) by Sun Tzu. Centered on the idea that, in many aspects of life and business, the priority isn’t to win at all costs, but rather to survive and endure, the duo explores how ancient strategies can inform modern thinking, personal growth, and decision-making. The discussion intertwines humor, insightful anecdotes, and practical applications.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Survival Over Victory — Rethinking Winning

• (02:20) The episode opens with 麥可 quoting Sun Tzu:

  「不求勝於人，但求不敗於己。」
  (“Don’t aim to defeat others, but strive not to be defeated yourself.”)

• The hosts discuss how the “survival first” mentality applies to business, investing, and personal life.
• 米克 shares:

  “你如果太追求贏，常常是最危險的時候。” (03:45)
  (“If you pursue winning too aggressively, that's often when you're in the most danger.”)

2. Modern Applications of Sun Tzu’s Principles

• (08:10) The conversation shifts to applying Sun Tzu’s thinking in contemporary scenarios:
  • Market competition: Sometimes, the key is to avoid direct confrontation and instead ensure the long-term health of a business.
  • Career paths: Emphasis on adaptability and resilience over relentless ambition.
• 麥可 reflects:

  “現代也是，活下來才能講下一步。” (09:12)
  (“It’s the same today—you have to survive before you can talk about the next step.”)

3. Risk Management vs. Recklessness

• (13:27) The hosts debate the difference between calculated risk and reckless aggression.
• 米克 points out:

  “孫子兵法不是教你去拼命，而是教你怎麼樣避免損失。”
  (“The Art of War doesn’t teach you to go all out—it teaches you how to avoid loss.”)

4. The Importance of Retreating (Knowing When to “Lose”)

• (17:45) Discussion about how knowing when to strategically withdraw is a strength, not a weakness.
• 麥可 jokingly adds:

  “像打電動，血條剩下一點就先跑，你能撐過BOSS下一次攻擊嗎？”
  (“Just like gaming—if your HP is low, you run first. Can you survive the boss’s next attack otherwise?”)

5. Case Study: Famous Business Survivals

• (23:05) The episode features examples of companies that prioritized survival over aggressive expansion:
  • Example: Apple during its near-bankruptcy era.
  • Example: Netflix’s pivots from DVD rental to streaming.
• 米克 sums up:

  “贏的定義不是短期的成功，而是能不能留下來，把遊戲繼續玩下去。” (25:50)
  (“Winning isn’t about short-term success—it’s about staying in the game, being able to keep playing.”)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• 「不求勝於人，但求不敗於己。」 — 麥可 (02:20)
• “你如果太追求贏，常常是最危險的時候。” — 米克 (03:45)
• “現代也是，活下來才能講下一步。” — 麥可 (09:12)
• “孫子兵法不是教你去拼命，而是教你怎麼樣避免損失。” — 米克 (13:27)
• “像打電動，血條剩下一點就先跑，你能撐過BOSS下一次攻擊嗎？” — 麥可 (17:45)
• “贏的定義不是短期的成功，而是能不能留下來，把遊戲繼續玩下去。” — 米克 (25:50)

Time-Stamped Segment Highlights

• 02:20 — Introduction to Sun Tzu’s core idea: Survive first.
• 08:10 — Practical application of these principles in modern life and business.
• 13:27 — Distinguishing risk management from recklessness.
• 17:45 — Knowing when to retreat or “lose” to fight another day.
• 23:05 — Real-world examples of companies choosing survival and adaptation over aggressive winning.
• 25:50 — Summarizing the “winning by staying in the game” philosophy.

Tone & Atmosphere

The tone throughout is lively, humorous, and pragmatic. 米克 and 麥可 use personal stories, pop culture references (like video games), and relatable metaphors, making the wisdom from Sun Tzu both accessible and actionable for listeners facing modern challenges.

This episode reminds us: In the long run, it’s not about being the loudest winner, but the quiet survivor who outlasts the chaos.