The Art of War (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor)
by Sun Tzu
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Book Summary Information
Author: Sun TzuEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); Chinese (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-11-13
ISBN: 0486425576
Number of pages: 96
Publisher: Dover Publications
Book Reviews of The Art of War (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor)
Book Review: A Chinese Reader's Review
Summary: 5 Stars
As a Chinese, I feel I'm obligated to contend with the other reviewer's notion that we are " trying to act like Saddam, posing as if they had some kind of WMD". We didn't exalt Sun Tzu. Historically, Art of War has been considered inferior to the other classics in China, which is unfortunately, in my opinion. It was elevated to its current cure-all status mostly by Japanese and Western readers.
As to its usefulness, I'd say, yes, most of its advices are not particular new, given the fact that it's more than 2000 years old. But I think they are still well worth reading today. Its discussion on the cost of warfare and extensive planning and preparation needs to be taken before getting into war, reads like a case study of the current Iraqi situation. Had Rumsfeld read Art of War...
And, yes, in many cases, its relevance and effectiveness have been hyped by gurus and consultants. But personally, I found some of its advices are relevant and well worth taken in my profession as an stock market investor. As motivational/self-help books go, I'd say Art of War is as good as, if not better than, any guru books out there.
Even if you are not into military strategy or self-help books, I still think it's well worth reading if you are serious about leading a meaningful life/career. Because I think what really sets Art of War apart from any other how-to books out there, is not the particular advices it dishes out, but the apparent contradiction those advices exhibit. I found this is really powerful and gives you new perspective on the way you think.
For example, this is a book on war strategy, yet it advocate that the best strategy is to avoid war. Image a book on how to make money advising people not making money, a marketing book not doing marketing. This really blows your minds away. Most of us just jump right into the tasks we have on hand. By reading Art of War, you start to say to yourself: wait a minute. What am I trying to achieve here? What's the cost of the things I'm doing? Is there a better way to achieve the same goal?
Other contradictions abound: it emphasis the importance of integrity and moral high ground, yet it insists war is all about deception; it is all about rules and systems, yet it says you have to not be bound by rules and be flexible. This really gives you a fuller appreciation of the complex and contradictory nature of reality.
For these reasons, I think a short edition is not a bad ides, because you don't have to learn the nuance to appreciate the value of Art of War.
Summary of The Art of War (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor)
Widely regarded as "The Oldest Military Treatise in the World," this landmark work covers principles of strategy, tactics, maneuvering, communication, and supplies; the use of terrain, fire, and the seasons of the year; the classification and utilization of spies; the treatment of soldiers, including captives, all have a modern ring to them.
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