What do you think?
Rate this book
Deciphering Sun Tzu: How to Read The Art of War
As the People's Republic's seemingly inexorable rise to economic and military power continues, never has the need for a better grasp of Chinese strategic thought by the West been more acute. In Deciphering Sun Tzu , Derek Yuen seeks to reclaim for the reader the hidden contours and lost Chinese and Taoist contexts of Sun Tzu's renowned treatise The Art of War , a literary classic and arguably one of the most influential books ever written. He also explains its historical, philosophical, strategic, and cross-cultural significance.
His comprehensive analysis of Sun Tzu, based on a close reading of the Chinese sources, also reconstructs the philosophy, Taoist methodology and worldview that effectively form the cornerstones of Chinese strategic thinking, which are arguably as relevant today as at any moment in history.
Yuen's innovative reading and analysis of Sun Tzu within and from a Chinese context is a new way of approaching the strategic master's main concepts, which he compares with those of Clausewitz, Liddell-Hart and other Western strategists.
Deciphering Sun Tzu offers illuminating analysis and contextualization of The Art of War in a manner that has long been sought by Western readers and opens new means of getting to grips with Chinese strategic thought.
His comprehensive analysis of Sun Tzu, based on a close reading of the Chinese sources, also reconstructs the philosophy, Taoist methodology and worldview that effectively form the cornerstones of Chinese strategic thinking, which are arguably as relevant today as at any moment in history.
Yuen's innovative reading and analysis of Sun Tzu within and from a Chinese context is a new way of approaching the strategic master's main concepts, which he compares with those of Clausewitz, Liddell-Hart and other Western strategists.
Deciphering Sun Tzu offers illuminating analysis and contextualization of The Art of War in a manner that has long been sought by Western readers and opens new means of getting to grips with Chinese strategic thought.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2012
19 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 6, 2021
The best book I've read that explains the historical context of Sun Tzu, Lao Tzu and Chinese Strategic Thinking. Covers a lot of details about Yin Yang, indirect approach, positioning and so much more.
February 10, 2018
Most people think The Art of War is about war but it is half true. This book is trying to recapture its original meanings. In order to understand Sun Tzu’s work, one must take a look at Qi, his home country where he grew up that later contributes much of his writing. Also the author presented that Sun Tzu using water metaphors in his strategy. So, the strategy proposed is not fixed yet confusing to the enemy. This book also elaborates Sun Tzu’s writing and relation with other’s work such as Sun Bin and Lao Tzu. Although this book was on How to Read the Art of War, it is still a hard work to actually understand about the book that the author trying to discuss. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is so different compared to Western’s thought on wars although several translations made for the Western audiences but The Art of War contains maxims and aphorisms, one could misinterpret the actual meaning. To understand more, the author cross-referencing western strategists’ work such as Clausewitz, Liddle-Hart, and John Boyd in order to clarify the actual meaning of Sun Tzu’s work.
December 13, 2024
#My year-end books:
This book serves as both a compendium and an abysmal intellectual analysis of one of the most illustrious and esteemed military texts in history, ‘The Art of War’ by Sun Tzu. Yuen conduits cultural and philosophical breaches, facilitating readers, particularly those from Western backgrounds, to better comprehend the delicacies of this ancient Chinese chef-d'oeuvre. Yuen very effectively emphasizes the need of appreciating the traditional and metaphysical foundations that reinforce Sun Tzu’s work. He exhibits how traditional Chinese thought, steeped in Daoism, Confucianism, and Legalism, influences the text's stratagems and worldview. This approach challenges readers to move away from literal versions and discover profounder interpretations. One of Yuen’s most significant gifts is his exploration of the differences between Eastern and Western strategic thinking. He argues that Western readers often misinterpret Sun Tzu because they apply linear, Clausewitzian frames that are foreign to Sun Tzu’s rounded and fluid approach. By contrasting Sun Tzu with Western military theorists, Yuen provides a nuanced perspective on strategy as an adaptable art rather than a rigid science. The book doesn’t merely critique; it also offers practical insights. Yuen develops a framework for understanding and applying Sun Tzu’s ideas in various contexts, from military operations to business strategies. His guidance on how to internalize Sun Tzu’s principles for contemporary use is particularly valuable for leaders and strategists. Yuen excels in dissecting the text’s layers, revealing the interplay of concepts such as deception, adaptability, and indirect engagement. He emphasizes the importance of synchronization (he) and programing (shi) in achieving planned objectives, concepts that reverberate deeply within the Chinese tradition. The clearness and approachability of the narrative is one of this book’s major strengths. Despite dealing with complex topics, Yuen writes with clarity, making the book accessible to both general readers and specialists. His structured arguments and use of examples enhance understanding. Yuen succeeds in making Sun Tzu’s teachings more comprehensible to a global audience without diluting their essence. By linking antique wisdom to modern challenges, Yuen proves the enduring relevance of Sun Tzu’s philosophy. However, it needs mention that this tome is not without its flaws. Firstly, the narrative infrequently feels repetitive, and readers seeking a broader exploration of ‘The Art of War’s applications may find this focus somewhat limiting. And although accessible, the book leans toward readers with a prior interest in strategy or familiarity with military theory. Casual readers may find some sections dense. As a final point, the book’s limitations are far outstripped by its positives. This is an outstanding work that redefines how modern readers involve with Sun Tzu’s ancient wisdom. Yuen’s intuitive analysis irradiates the philosophical depths of The Art of War, making it more than a tactical escort — it becomes a deep examination of strategic thought. For anyone interested in strategy, cultural philosophy, or the lasting power of ancient texts, this book is an indispensable read.
This book serves as both a compendium and an abysmal intellectual analysis of one of the most illustrious and esteemed military texts in history, ‘The Art of War’ by Sun Tzu. Yuen conduits cultural and philosophical breaches, facilitating readers, particularly those from Western backgrounds, to better comprehend the delicacies of this ancient Chinese chef-d'oeuvre. Yuen very effectively emphasizes the need of appreciating the traditional and metaphysical foundations that reinforce Sun Tzu’s work. He exhibits how traditional Chinese thought, steeped in Daoism, Confucianism, and Legalism, influences the text's stratagems and worldview. This approach challenges readers to move away from literal versions and discover profounder interpretations. One of Yuen’s most significant gifts is his exploration of the differences between Eastern and Western strategic thinking. He argues that Western readers often misinterpret Sun Tzu because they apply linear, Clausewitzian frames that are foreign to Sun Tzu’s rounded and fluid approach. By contrasting Sun Tzu with Western military theorists, Yuen provides a nuanced perspective on strategy as an adaptable art rather than a rigid science. The book doesn’t merely critique; it also offers practical insights. Yuen develops a framework for understanding and applying Sun Tzu’s ideas in various contexts, from military operations to business strategies. His guidance on how to internalize Sun Tzu’s principles for contemporary use is particularly valuable for leaders and strategists. Yuen excels in dissecting the text’s layers, revealing the interplay of concepts such as deception, adaptability, and indirect engagement. He emphasizes the importance of synchronization (he) and programing (shi) in achieving planned objectives, concepts that reverberate deeply within the Chinese tradition. The clearness and approachability of the narrative is one of this book’s major strengths. Despite dealing with complex topics, Yuen writes with clarity, making the book accessible to both general readers and specialists. His structured arguments and use of examples enhance understanding. Yuen succeeds in making Sun Tzu’s teachings more comprehensible to a global audience without diluting their essence. By linking antique wisdom to modern challenges, Yuen proves the enduring relevance of Sun Tzu’s philosophy. However, it needs mention that this tome is not without its flaws. Firstly, the narrative infrequently feels repetitive, and readers seeking a broader exploration of ‘The Art of War’s applications may find this focus somewhat limiting. And although accessible, the book leans toward readers with a prior interest in strategy or familiarity with military theory. Casual readers may find some sections dense. As a final point, the book’s limitations are far outstripped by its positives. This is an outstanding work that redefines how modern readers involve with Sun Tzu’s ancient wisdom. Yuen’s intuitive analysis irradiates the philosophical depths of The Art of War, making it more than a tactical escort — it becomes a deep examination of strategic thought. For anyone interested in strategy, cultural philosophy, or the lasting power of ancient texts, this book is an indispensable read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews