THE ART OF WAR

by Sun Tzu

"The Art of War" is an ancient Chinese military treatise that is attributed to Sun Tzu (also referred to as "Sunzi" and "Sun Wu"), a high ranking military general, strategist and tactist. The Art of War has also been applied to business and managerial strategies. Composed of 13 chapters, each of which is devoted to one aspect of warfare. It is said to be the definitive work on military strategies and tactics of its time, and is still read for its military insight which can be applied to business and managerial strategies as well.
Sun Tzu was a Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher who lived in the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. Sun Tzu is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, a widely influential work of military strategy that has affected both Western and Eastern philosophy. Aside from his legacy as the author of The Art of War, Sun Tzu is revered in Chinese and the Culture of Asia as a legendary historical figure. His birth name was Sun Wu, and he was known outside of his family by his courtesy name Changqing. The name Sun Tzu by which he is best known in the West is an honorific which means "Master Sun".

Genres: War, Philosophy

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2017

About the author

Sun Tzu (traditional Chinese: 孫子; simplified Chinese: 孙子; pinyin: Sūnzǐ) was a Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher, and writer who lived during the Eastern Zhou period (771–256 BC). Sun Tzu is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, an influential work of military strategy that has affected both Western and East Asian philosophy and military thought. Sun Tzu is revered in Chinese and East Asian culture as a legendary historical and military figure. His birth name was Sun Wu (traditional Chinese: 孫武; simplified Chinese: 孙武) and he was known outside of his family by his courtesy name Changqing (Chinese: 長卿). The name Sun Tzu—by which he is more popularly known—is an honorific which means "Master Sun".
Sun Tzu mastered the military science of ancient China and created the military doctrine of asymmetrical warfare. According to it, an attack on the enemy should begin only after the enemy has no opportunity to either defend or counterattack. It was used in the wars in the era of the Warring States in ancient China (about 475–221 BC). It differs from the modern interpretation of asymmetric military strategy. The ancient warriors used to call it the Victorious Methods of Warfare (sheng er zhan zhi), but it has the same meaning as the modern asymmetrical military strategy. The ancient professional warriors used it in individual combats against the enemies in the wars. As a result, a variety of armed and unarmed combat combinations have been created for various combat situations as the individual battle plans. Those combat combinations had specific names, descriptions and classifications.
Sun Tzu's historicity is uncertain. The Han dynasty historian Sima Qian and other traditional Chinese historians placed him as a minister to King Helü of Wu and dated his lifetime to 544–496 BC. Modern scholars accepting his historicity place the extant text of The Art of War in the later Warring States period of 475 to 221 BC, based on its style of composition and its descriptions of warfare. Traditional accounts state that the general's descendant Sun Bin wrote a treatise on military tactics, also titled The Art of War. Since both Sun Wu and Sun Bin were referred to as "Sun Tzu" in classical Chinese texts, some historians believed them identical, prior to the rediscovery of Sun Bin's treatise in 1972.
Sun Tzu's work has been praised and employed throughout the arc of East Asian military history since its composition, and eventually earned global attention. During the twentieth century, The Art of War grew in popularity and saw practical use in the Western world as well. It remains influential in many contemporary competitive endeavors across the modern world beyond military strategy and warfare, including espionage, culture, governance, business, and sports.

Reviews

[Cecilia Gigliotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit, at first I thought to myself: why am I reading a book of instruction in military strategy? But it took only a few pages for me to understand why writers across genres and generations recommend Sun Tzu’s seminal work—many of the more theoretical (as opposed to practical) measures can be applied to tests and battles of a mundane, civilian, non-military nature, every day. “There is no instance in which a country has benefited from prolonged warfare” is an adage we seem to have collectively forgotten. Now, people may take a more or less adversarial stance toward the world depending on the circumstances of their lives: but however many advantages or disadvantages you have, there is much to be learned from the warnings against recklessness, quick-temperedness, and cowardice, as from the exhortations to efficient action and valuing internal intuition over external opinions.

[Samer Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving that this is an ancient book, around 500BC
I have in some way travelled through time with it
but unlike people say.. you cannot necessarily apply the wisdom in your daily life.. it is still a book in war strategies and military code of conduct..
and it was a very short book of about 60 pages, at least giles translations is, if I knew it I wood have read it10 years ago..

[Keven Ricardo Urbina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it a few times to really understand it, but great read

[Renny Doig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I finally got around to reading the Art of War. The text is split into thirteen chapters, each written in a very concise bullet-point format which is very readable. The content offers advice to generals on how to manage their army and craft effective strategy. There is emphasis on understanding yourself, the enemy, and your environment. As well as when to push forward and when to be defensive. In general the ideas are very straightforward, not complex logical arguments.

Even though this was intended as military advice, it felt more like a treatise on conflict in general. One could easily apply the principles discussed in this book to any interaction with opposing forces. Contemplating these ideas I think would provide some insight into the ways we interact with those around us.

[Fenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to listen to something short while driving, and selected this books for the trip. It's in the public domain, so free to listen to on Spotify.

THE ART OF WAR
I've had this book in my bookcase for a long time but never read it. It's short, 64 pages only, and consists of many lists elaborated on by the writer. It's fascinating to realise these pages predate our calender by five hundred years. The concepts are clearly voiced in a Wikipedia-esque manner, making the grand strategist's experience transferable as far as a text could.

Is this explanation still relevant? Well, hardly, since few of us wage war on nearby competing clans, but this is a great inspiration for larp or tabletop role-playing. :)

[Robert Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

the part about salt marshes changed my life

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it and think it's just fine as long as the reader can easily apply war concepts to whatever environment they are leading in. Disclosure: I'm not a general 🤷

[Jonah Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course a classic

[Nuno · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book always keeping in mind the corporate applications of its teachings, as I'm not really interested in ancient warfare theory.
There are definitely a few insights that could be used in business competition with rivals, although I can't say they are very numerous or particularly deep. This is not unexpected since Sun Tzu didn't mean to act as corporate guru for 25 centuries in the future.
Furthermore, the 13 chapters have been cut and put together again many times over by many translators, and so the lack of coherence is plain to see at times.
One aspect that I would underline from the version I read, the Giles translation, is his introduction which helped give a historical perspective on Sun Tzu's work and introduce the main Chinese commentators on the book as well as his notes within the text giving opinions on the accuracy of the different translations of the maxims and historical examples of their application. This was definitely helpful in framing the context of the book, an ancient period in Chinese history I knew nothing about, and which ultimately made the reading more enjoyable and educational.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of War stands the test of time as a concise treatise on the nature of land warfare and waging it successfully. It's remarkable to think this volume has been studied for around 2500 years, and its observations were bleeding-edge for their time. Its basic concepts, at both the strategic and tactical levels, are part of the western military tradition under different names. Still, it's amazing to think of how these lessons were likely re-learned the hard way due to the fall of states that enjoyed military success, and their inability to pass their knowledge to the next major geopolitical power. Sun Tzu speaks frequently of knowing the enemy, acknowledging the role of intelligence on the battlefield. Lest the student of tactics and strategy despair that Sun Tzu will never address the specifics of intelligence, he devotes the final chapter to the state of spycraft as it existed 2500 years ago.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting book especially because of when it was written. I was surprised by how short of a read this was. I read this for a class but I’m excited to read different translations and eventually read the original text in Chinese. The text is poetic, full of imagery, and reads a bit like the Old Testament. In that sense, the words need to be thoroughly studied to be understood although there are many bits of easily understandable proverbs throughout.

I liked this translation (Giles) and listened to an audiobook version. Although this book is about military strategy, it can be applied to strategy in other aspects of life including management and business. One of my favorite lines is about the leader-subordinate relationship. Sun Tzu said in effect that if you treat your troops like your own sons then they will be by your side through the darkest battles.

[Nelina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found The Art of War to be somewhat overrated. I read a translation from 1910, and while a few of the teachings can be adapted to the modern world, the overall flow felt disconnected and hard to follow.

There are valuable lessons about the importance of planning and preparation, which can certainly be applied to various aspects of life and business. However, the book’s emphasis on deception and morally questionable tactics makes you question the recommendations. These may be effective in the context of warfare, but such practices have no place in ethical business conduct.

Although some parallels with business strategy can be drawn, I personally didn’t enjoy the book and feel that one should approach its teachings with caution, especially when applying them to non-warfare scenarios.

[Jordi Valeri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strategy and military tactics written by Sun Tzu in China.

Talks about diplomacy and how to win wars, without actually fighting some of them. Some quotes:

- The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
- Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak, deceive the enemy.
- All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
- In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.
- To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.
- Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain.

[Matt Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among the great classics of world literature. I had started it a few times, and I’m glad I finished it. It is not a long read, but it is a fascinating little book.

While I am not a warrior in any sense of the word, the information here is applicable to many situations and can be applied to life and business.

Historically speaking, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of Ancient China and how warfare was conducted in that era - Warring States period?

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finished this months ago, haven't been able to remember much about it, so I guess it's two stars. Might pick it up again another time to remind myself what exactly I read

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." - Mike Tyson

[Crystal Swafford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting , quick read. Amazing how some of this is still applicable today. I like reflecting on honor and respect of one’s opponent.

[Christopher D. Ochs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe I've seen so many references to this work, but everything seemed plain common sense.
Admittedly a strange thing to say, concerning the subject is the most insane act that humankind commits.

[Grace Ye]

look...... ill rate this book after i get a chance to put these axioms to the test practically on the battlefield

felt like a "should read" as i continue my foray into asian/military history