How Sun Tzu Likes To Party

College parties can seem like another universe. Loud music, illicit drug use, underage drinking! Sometimes, especially at your first party, you just don't know what to do. Where do you start? What can you do to make the best out of it? Here are 11 quotes from Sun Tzu's The Art of War to get you prepared to take on your first college party.

1. [07.01] "Generally, the principles of warfare are: The general receives his commands from the ruler, assembles the troops, mobilizes the army, and sets up camp."

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So first thing's first, preparing for a party comes in four simple steps: Receiving the invitation, getting some friends to come along, finding out how to commute there, and finally arriving at the party. It's quite simple really.

2. [02.12] "A nation can be impoverished by the army when it has to supply the army at great distances. When provisions are transported at great distances, the citizens will be impoverished."

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Before figuring out the commute, find out the location. Where is the party located? Think about commute time. Is it a reasonable distance away or will it require you to go out of your way to party? If you are required to go out of your way or if it is just very far, it's only going to be detrimental to you and your family. Just stay home.

3. [01.03] "The 'Way' is the strong bond your people have with you. Whether they face certain death or hope to come out alive, they never worry about danger or betrayal."

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Now that you know where you're going and that you're going for sure, get some friends to come along, everything is better with the buddy system. Just make sure that the friends you bring actually care about you. Make sure that they'll be by your side if you have a little too much to drink or start feeling sick. Nothing is worse than being abandoned at a party by people you thought were your friends!

4. [02.01] "Generally, the requirements of warfare are this way: One thousand four-horse chariots, one thousand leather chariots, one hundred thousand belted armor, transporting provisions one thousand kilometers, the distribution of internal and on-the-field spending, the efforts of having guests, materials such as glue and lacquer, tributes in chariots and armor, will amount to expenses of a thousand gold pieces a day."

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Ok, so you've decided you're going to this party. One of the most important decisions, and one of the hardest for me at least, is your outfit and makeup if you wear it. What are you going to wear? If it's a costume party you're set, you can wear anything, but if it's a regular one what do you do? Be prepared. Don't wear something that is inappropriate for the season like a winter coat in June. Don't look like you're trying too hard, and try not to worry about overspending. Get something that looks good and feels good. Go for quality over savings but still try and get a deal!

5. [02.11] "Take equipment from home but take provisions from the enemy. Then the army will be sufficient in both equipment and provisions."

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Bring things like cash, lipstick and your phone but little else. You don't want to be carrying much and risk losing something valuable or being stopped along the way. The host should provide the drink and herbs for either free or for a small donation.

6. [03.23] "Therefore I say: One who knows the enemy and knows himself will not be in danger in a hundred battles."

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Know the house, and know the host. Make sure you feel safe with the crowd at the party. If you are aware of this the party will be fun and safe!

7. [07.11] "One who does not know the mountains and forests, gorges and defiles, swamps and wetlands cannot advance the army. One who does not use local guides cannot take advantage of the ground."

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Be aware of your surroundings. Know whats going on at all times. Watch your drinks and never leave them unattended. Parties can get dangerous, especially for females. Stay safe and aware. Pick strategic locations where you will stay safe. Have friends help you out too.

8. [11.16] "Move when advantageous, stop when not advantageous."

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Sometimes parties get crowded. This is where you have to realize it won't always be easy to move from place to place in the house. Move when you see an opening, stand around when you don't. This also applies to bathrooms. Strike when the time is right, early, before it gets gross, and when there is no line.

9. [11.22] If you take care of your health, avoid fatigue, you will be united, and will build strength.

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Don't overdo it. Take care of yourself and do everything in moderation. Avoid getting tired and avoid getting dehydrated. It will just ruin the experience for you. Remember don't drink on an empty stomach and drink one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you have.

10. [08.11] "Therefore, there are five dangerous traits of a general: He who is reckless can be killed."

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Adding on to the last tip, don't act stupid!!!! Don't drink too much or act too reckless, doing so could get you seriously injured or worse (killed).

11. [02.03] "When doing battle, seek a quick victory. A long battle will blunt weapons and diminish ferocity."

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Don't spend too much time at the party, it'll just get boring and make you too tired. Know when to go home, leave when others start to leave, you've had enough, or you're friends are tired. Devise a plan with your group about when to go home before getting to the party. Having a time fame in mind will help you achieve this goal.