The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Special Edition

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  This book written in the 6th Century B.C. isn't exactly what I expected. I thought it would be much more about hard and fast tactics and strategy. Instead, it is more about the warrior and the politician who would send people to war and command them. Warfare is like water. Fluid, undergoing constantly changing conditions. A good strategy you can count on is to mystify your enemy with modified plans, false reports and unexpected appearances, keeping them in ignorance. If they expect you t... (show more)

  This book written in the 6th Century B.C. isn't exactly what I expected. I thought it would be much more about hard and fast tactics and strategy. Instead, it is more about the warrior and the politician who would send people to war and command them. Warfare is like water. Fluid, undergoing constantly changing conditions. A good strategy you can count on is to mystify your enemy with modified plans, false reports and unexpected appearances, keeping them in ignorance. If they expect you to rise on the hill, crawl in from the valley. If they expect you at dawn, wait until midnight. Stealth and speed are indespensible. When outnumbered, surround the enemy, attack, or divide the enemy. There is no substitute to boots on the ground. But you can win by attacking their supply base. In time the front will collapse. Captured soldiers are to be kindly treated and kept. In war, your object is victory, not lenghty campaigns. The very best plan of war is to not go to war at all, to settle things without a shot. (show less)

   

  by Paul Soderquist on Jul 01, 2009 at 07:32AM

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  Although I only have the audio version, this book is no less powerful in any sense of the word.

  I will say though, that in the analysis of "The Art of War," most people comment on its brevity and its timelessness, but very few have commented on the author's skillful use of diction, and the general poetic nature of the work. That, I think, more than anything else, is what makes this piece such a pleasant read to the ear, and such a good read for the mind. That alone also opens up ... (show more)

  Although I only have the audio version, this book is no less powerful in any sense of the word.

  I will say though, that in the analysis of "The Art of War," most people comment on its brevity and its timelessness, but very few have commented on the author's skillful use of diction, and the general poetic nature of the work. That, I think, more than anything else, is what makes this piece such a pleasant read to the ear, and such a good read for the mind. That alone also opens up interpretation and meditation. Warfare is essential, but as Wall Street has shown you, life & business is also war. Nobody can be hurt from reading this book. (show less)

   

   

  by Long Nguyen on Jun 17, 2009 at 09:40PM

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