The Art of War is the Swiss army knife of military theory--pop out a different tool for any situation. Folded into this small package are compact views on resourcefulness, momentum, cunning, the profit motive, flexibility, integrity, secrecy, speed, positioning, surprise, deception, manipulation, responsibility, and practicality. Thomas Cleary's translation keeps the package tight, with crisp language and short sections. Commentaries from the Chinese tradition trail Sun-tzu's words, elaborating and picking up on puzzling lines. Take the solitary passage: "Do not eat food for their soldiers." Elsewhere, Sun-tzu has told us to plunder the enemy's stores, but now we're not supposed to eat the food? The Tang dynasty commentator Du Mu solves the puzzle nicely, "If the enemy suddenly abandons their food supplies, they should be tested first before eating, lest they be poisoned." Most passages, however, are the pinnacle of succinct clarity: "Lure them in with the prospect of gain, take them by confusion" or "Invincibility is in oneself, vulnerability is in the opponent." Sun-tzu's maxims are widely applicable beyond the military because they speak directly to the exigencies of survival. Your new tools will serve you well, but don't flaunt them. Remember Sun-tzu's advice: "Though effective, appear to be ineffective." --Brian Bruya
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: The Illustrated Art of War Comment: See "The Illustrated Art of War" ISBN 978-19518999X published in 2005. The same translator (Samuel B Griffith) and the same publisher (Oxford University Press) but in a hardcover edition with illustrations. Customer Rating: Summary: Strategic Classic Comment: This is simply a very important book in the scholarship of military and political strategy. It is required reading for generals and other military commanders (as well as leaders involved in strategic and tactical decisionmaking).
Over 2,000 years old, written in the context of widespread feudal warfare in ancient China, it was written to provide useful advice to the political and military commander/prince. In this way, it is similar to Machiavelli's The Prince (also a very important book on military and political affairs in a highly contentious environment) - a multi-polar environment.
Sun Tzu's The Art of War is a serious book for the serious student of political science, strategic thinking, and military and political strategic and tactical decision making.
It may seem to some to be a book of aphorisms or "lessons" - which may appear to some to be trite, and many people have tried to show the import of its lessons in the context of business management in terms of the competition of firms - lessons which may be applicable and relevant.
However, if you want to study strategy (as it relates to any context: military, political, business, etc.) - this is simply required reading, and careful and considered reading of it, will reward the reader. Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-Tung) and other Chinese leaders have read it, used the lessons contained in it, added and expanded upon it, and thus - at the least - is the foundation of modern Chinese strategic thinking. Customer Rating: Summary: The Art of War Comment: I ordered 3 copies and so far have only received one.
Please expedite. Customer Rating: Summary: Classic on the priciples of war Comment: This ancient classic of 13 chapters was written over 2,500 years ago by the legendary Chinese general Sun Tzu. It is a must have for military buffs that enjoy reading about the tactics of the most succesful generals. It is rumored that Napoleon used a French translation of the Art of War to his advantage while conquering most of Europe, and he lost when he broke its principles.
The principles that are with in this ancient text can also be used in games of strategy, business conflicts, and the day to day battles of life.
Here are ten principles to give you a sample of the wisdom found in its pages:
Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance with out fighting.
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
Spies are the most important element in war, because upon them depends an army's ability to move.
All warfare is based on deception.
The general who wins a battle makes many calculations before the battle is fought.
There is no instance of a country having benefited from a prolonged war.
The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals.
In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.
When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. (So they can retreat).
Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained, fight not unless the position is critical.
Taken as a whole this is a book of wisdom and principles on how to win. I rank it in my top ten books I have ever read. It is a must have for any home library. The is a very small book that is quick and easy to read.
Customer Rating: Summary: great carry book Comment: the Shambhala pocket classics are perfect pocket sized books to take along with one on every day excursions. they provide immense inspiration every time.
