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Sun Zi: The Art of War & Sun Bin: The Art of War
The first time ever. this amazing military treatise is now available in English. French and German, and together With the original text in classical and modern Chinese. Like its predecessor, Sun The Art of War by Sun Wu, Sun Bin's book is also an outstanding piece of ancient Chinese Military writing. However, it was lost for more than a millennium, which gave rise to a long-standing controversy as to whether Sun Wu .and Sun Bin were one and the same person. In April 1972, a large number of bamboo strips were unearthed in an archeological find from a Western Han (206 BC - Ad 25) tomb at Yinqueshan (Silver Sparrow Mountain) in Linyi County, Shandong Province in China. Among the strips were Sun The Art of War and Sun The Art of War. The simultaneous discovery of the two works from the same tomb provided conclusive evidence that both Suns existed in history, and that each had written a significant corpus on military affairs. A milleniumlong dispute was thus settled. A descendant of Sun Wu, Sun Bin summed up the military experiences prior to and during the midWarring States Period (475 BC-221 BC) on the basis of inheriting and developing Sun Wu's military thinking. He has thus provided important new material for study by Sun Zi specialists and scholars the world over.
158 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1999
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12312 people want to read
About the author
Sun Tzu
1,363 books3,596 followersSun 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
November 23, 2024
The classic book on warfare...the standard that all other books on warfare are measured against. To read this book is to begin to understand why the nature of warfare is so hard to predict; the tide of battle can turn on a small detail, victory can be snatched away because one critical detail was overlooked. Highest recommendation.
April 8, 2015
This isn't my first delving into Taoism or Eastern Ideologies. As an ideology Taoism is one on previous occasions I have found great joy in reading and learning from its wisdom. Picking up another copy of the Art of War with four other great Eastern writings for me was a no brainer. Unfortunately while the Art of War is translated by Lionel Giles is a good translation, everything else in the book is translated by James Legge.
Don't be upset if that means absolutely nothing to you, it meant nothing to me when I picked up this compilation at Barnes N Noble. What James Legge's translations are is severely lacking in everything, but word count. Instead of faithful translations of the original text (with a bit of optimization to maintain readability) the text are interpreted. Each passage becomes wordy, losing its original charm and insight.
It is painfully obvious that Legge had little respect for the material he was translating. In his forward he dismisses nearly everything the Chinese believed calling it fantasies, fiction, while asserting the legitimacy of his Christian beliefs. After a certain level of posturing I could no longer stand to read his forward and skipped onto the main course of the translation only to find what can only be called a bastardization of the original.
Unfortunately as I discovered, this isn't the only translations by James Legge included in this compilation. Every other text is translated by him, each as it turned out after a bit of research, are equally as poor as this Tao Te Ching translation.
Don't get this compilations, do some research and grab the competent translated versions of the works you are interested in. While the binding and paper are sturdy the contents are lacking, unless you need a these particular translations for school or discussion stay clear.
Don't be upset if that means absolutely nothing to you, it meant nothing to me when I picked up this compilation at Barnes N Noble. What James Legge's translations are is severely lacking in everything, but word count. Instead of faithful translations of the original text (with a bit of optimization to maintain readability) the text are interpreted. Each passage becomes wordy, losing its original charm and insight.
It is painfully obvious that Legge had little respect for the material he was translating. In his forward he dismisses nearly everything the Chinese believed calling it fantasies, fiction, while asserting the legitimacy of his Christian beliefs. After a certain level of posturing I could no longer stand to read his forward and skipped onto the main course of the translation only to find what can only be called a bastardization of the original.
Unfortunately as I discovered, this isn't the only translations by James Legge included in this compilation. Every other text is translated by him, each as it turned out after a bit of research, are equally as poor as this Tao Te Ching translation.
Don't get this compilations, do some research and grab the competent translated versions of the works you are interested in. While the binding and paper are sturdy the contents are lacking, unless you need a these particular translations for school or discussion stay clear.
January 14, 2013
One of the great classical works. Many believe that the subject of this work pertains only to war, sports, and business. Yet this work provides insight to relationships.
January 2, 2025
Part of The Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge. Book 3/339. This book was good. It just definitely wasn’t for me. Four Stars.
July 1, 2017
The Art Of War & Other Classics Of Easter Philosophy showcases some of the most timeless and meaningful eastern philosophical classics to exist. The best part is that the book is as beautiful outside as the knowledge is endless in the inside.
With ivory white paper, and a solid binding and spine to boot, the Cantebury Classics offer a LOT of value in a leatherbound book. In fact, out of all the Cantebery Classics its hands down my favorite one - aesthetically pleasing and content-wise.
To get a broader perspective of what the book contains, the Table Of Content Follows:
The Art Of War [Without Commentary]
The Art Of War [With Commentary]
The Tao Te Ching
Confucius Analects
The Great Learning
The Doctrine Of The Mean
The Works Of Mencius
Having recently read the Tao Te Ching and Confucius' Analects, it was a pleasant surprise to see them here again.
The gems of wisdom contained in those books is much to ruminate upon, so having those books, along with The Art Of Wars and others was just like having Christmas seven days in a row.
If you are interested in any of the above books and also plan to venture into the other books covered in the table of contents sometime, do yourself a favor and get this book. You will NOT regret it. It will also save you money when you add the prices of all six works. Even if purchased all used they will cost more than this one.
Having been given multiple copies of Art of War it still didn't detract me from getting this one. Wouldn't hesitate getting one again, and in fact am considering purchasing one for posterity's sake since this one's getting highlighted and written upon with notes to the hilt.
The smorgasbord of insights within the pages in this book is as lucid as it is prodigious.
With ivory white paper, and a solid binding and spine to boot, the Cantebury Classics offer a LOT of value in a leatherbound book. In fact, out of all the Cantebery Classics its hands down my favorite one - aesthetically pleasing and content-wise.
To get a broader perspective of what the book contains, the Table Of Content Follows:
The Art Of War [Without Commentary]
The Art Of War [With Commentary]
The Tao Te Ching
Confucius Analects
The Great Learning
The Doctrine Of The Mean
The Works Of Mencius
Having recently read the Tao Te Ching and Confucius' Analects, it was a pleasant surprise to see them here again.
The gems of wisdom contained in those books is much to ruminate upon, so having those books, along with The Art Of Wars and others was just like having Christmas seven days in a row.
If you are interested in any of the above books and also plan to venture into the other books covered in the table of contents sometime, do yourself a favor and get this book. You will NOT regret it. It will also save you money when you add the prices of all six works. Even if purchased all used they will cost more than this one.
Having been given multiple copies of Art of War it still didn't detract me from getting this one. Wouldn't hesitate getting one again, and in fact am considering purchasing one for posterity's sake since this one's getting highlighted and written upon with notes to the hilt.
The smorgasbord of insights within the pages in this book is as lucid as it is prodigious.
July 14, 2015
13 broad strategies succulent with generalized yet highly effective techniques. If you are at war and are uncertain as to what to do. Well, my friend, you need to take a lesson in the Art of War.
It is not just a book of rules or a story book. It is rather a set of principles to guide one if he decides to go to war in any facet of life, be it personal, professional, academic, etc. Although I must agree that in a corporate setting, this book is nothing short of a gem.
"If someone is being humble and polite to your inquisitions, understand that they are completely prepared and ready to attack."
Simple philosophies stated serenely. However, given the age at which they were written, certain ideas are damn dead straight forward and hardly arouses any sense of rethinking for these concepts are generic.
After all, the Art of War is just a lesson perceived and adapted varyingly by each who ascertains to delve into its secrets.
It is not just a book of rules or a story book. It is rather a set of principles to guide one if he decides to go to war in any facet of life, be it personal, professional, academic, etc. Although I must agree that in a corporate setting, this book is nothing short of a gem.
"If someone is being humble and polite to your inquisitions, understand that they are completely prepared and ready to attack."
Simple philosophies stated serenely. However, given the age at which they were written, certain ideas are damn dead straight forward and hardly arouses any sense of rethinking for these concepts are generic.
After all, the Art of War is just a lesson perceived and adapted varyingly by each who ascertains to delve into its secrets.
April 10, 2025
No nwm, nie dowiedziałam się niczego odkrywczego, ale chciałam sprawdzić czy sun zi serio był takim zajebistym strategiem
May 30, 2015
Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" seemed like more universal part of this book than Sun Pin's "The Art of Warfare". By more universal I mean the fact that bigger part of Sun Tzu work seems still up to date and proper to apply in many situations, not only military ones. Maybe because it was more "general", not as specific as Sun Pin's work?
Although I felt like I need to pick parts that would be right for me and modern situations, it's not like it's universal book with universal wise words that will guide you through every problem in life and is always right, no matter what is the context of that problem. Some parts feel to me like clearly military thing, and to say more, ancient military thing, so they may be not even good when it comes to modern military.
I mentioned that "The Art of War" seemed for me like a better source of wise words for nowadays reader, but I found few nice quotes in Sun Pin's work too, and I am glad that those two books were joined together and released like that, with comments.
It's just how I feel about it.
Although I felt like I need to pick parts that would be right for me and modern situations, it's not like it's universal book with universal wise words that will guide you through every problem in life and is always right, no matter what is the context of that problem. Some parts feel to me like clearly military thing, and to say more, ancient military thing, so they may be not even good when it comes to modern military.
I mentioned that "The Art of War" seemed for me like a better source of wise words for nowadays reader, but I found few nice quotes in Sun Pin's work too, and I am glad that those two books were joined together and released like that, with comments.
It's just how I feel about it.
January 9, 2025
Proverbial bullshit in its purest and raw form. This poppycock of a “book” is moronic and anyone who considers this to be insightful is in serious need of a brain scan. While debate centers around the existence of Sun Tzu, my issue does not lie there. Rather, these pithy, aphoristic statements, littered throughout the novel are boring and obvious. “When the enemy is far, be near” “When they are not ready be ready” yeah no fucking shit. This book is faux sagaciousness and I could obtain this elusive wisdom from a homeless guy for a nickel and that’s an insult to the homeless guy. “When the opponent doesn’t wipe their ass, be ready for stench” is my take on this trivial garbage. Sorry Mr.Tzu, but your alleged experience as an ancient successful Chinese general is not visible, take a writing class.
March 22, 2007
As a kid, the only books i read were about war, religions or had lots of pictures and words like "Wham!" and "Ka-Pow!". The Art of War is a book i have had in my collection for twenty years and this version is my favorite due to the aded commentary and context of the passages. This book is still relevant today.
June 14, 2015
A succinct and clarifying translation of The Art of War, a work that has stood the test of time. As the author himself states, there are no 'pages of personal dribble or opinion' within; he does not ask one to snatch a pebble or call the reader 'grasshopper.' An enjoyable, easy to read book that is well worth the time spent for those in battle, for survival, or success.
December 25, 2015
States general rules to be followed to win a warfare - nothing extraordinary.
January 5, 2016
This is not a business book, btw, no matter what its placement in bookstores. It's about... the art of war.
May 4, 2023
it might have been my low expectations but i really enjoyed analects and the strategies that were discussed
April 21, 2025
Overall, I can say that I get why this book is a classic. The book is structered 'motto-like' with precise tactics and advice. Some of them may feel obvious, but can help others. It still holds value and is applicable to real-life.
My most useful passages from the book:
Generalul cand inainteaza nu trebuie sa urmareasca gloria persoana; cand se retrage, nu trebuie sa fie preocupat sa evite o sanctiune. El trebuie sa aiba un singur tel: protejarea populatiei si sa slujeasca interesul superior al suveranului sau
Momiti inamicul pt a l prinde in capcana; simulati dezordinea si loviti-l.
Intreaga arta a razboiului se bazeaza pe inselatorie. De aceea, daca esti capabil, simuleaza incapacitatea; daca esti activ, simuleaza pasivitatea.
Enervati l si derutati l pe general. Daca generalul e coleric, auroritatea sa poate fi usor subrezita. E instabil.
Daca am auzit vorbindu se de victorii in razboaie de scurta durata, purtate fara pricepere, n am vazut ceeo victorie in cazul unei operatiuni de lunga durata, chiar purtata cu iscusinta.
Un atac piate fi lipsit de ingeniozitate, dar trb sa se desfasoare cu viteza fulgerului.
Tratati i bn pe prizonieri si averi grija de ei. Ca sa poata fi folositi de noi. Asta inseamna sa castigi o batalie si sa devii mai puternic.
Cel mai important in razboi e sa atacati strategia inamicului.
Cel care exceleaza in rezolvarea dificultatilor inainte de a aparea, cel care este capabil sa si invinga adversarii triumfa inainte ca amenintarile acestora sa se concretizezr.
Atacati planurile inamicului prin anihilarea punctului lor de pornire. Apoi rupe i aliantele. Nu i lasati pe inamicii vostri sa se uneasca.
Cei care sunt experti in arta razboiului supun armata inamica fara lupta.
Scopul trebuie sa fie de a cuceri intact toot ceea ce este sub cer. In acest fel, trupele vor ramane neatinse si victoria va fi totala. Aceasta e arta strategiri ofensive.
Daca armata e dezorientata si lipsita de incredere, suveranii tarilor vecine for face greutati. Acesta e sensul proverbului "confuzia in armata duce la victoria adversarului".
"Acela care nu cunoaste bine obiectivele sale nu stie sa se opuna inamicului."
Cel care stie cand si cand nu sa angajeze lupta va fi victorios.
Cel care este prudent si asteapta un inamic imprudent va fi victorios.
Cunoasteti va inamicul si cunoasteti va pe voi insiva; intr o suta de batalii nu va veti expune vreunei primejdii. Cand nu va cunoasteti inamicul, dar va cunoasteti pe voi, sansele de victorie si infrangere sunt egale. Daca nu va cunoasteti inamicul, nici pe voi insiva, sunteti in pericol la fiecare batalie.
In vremurile vechi, razboinicii iscusiti incepeau prin a deveni de neinvins, apoi asteptau ca inamicul sa fie vulnerabil.
Invincibilitatea noastra depinde de noi, vulnerabilitatea inamicului, de el.
Confuzia aparenta rezulta din ordine, lasitatea aparenta din curaj, slabiciunea aparenta din forta. Cel care doreste sa simuleze lasitatea sa si pandeasca inamicul sa fie curajos, caci numai atunci va fi n stare sa simuleze frica.
Curajul si lasitatea depind de imprejurari, taria sau slabiciunea, de dispunere.
Arata i inamicului ca i ramane o posibilitate de salvare si strecoara i in suflet ca mai ecista si o alta solutie decat moartea. Dupa aceea, loveste
Este de ajuns sa evaluati corect situatia inamicului si sa ca concentrati fortele pt a pune mana pe el.
Rapiditatea este esenta rezboiului. Daca este ceva ce conteaza, este divina rapiditate.
Aruncati trupele intr o sit fara iesire, astfel ca, aflate in fata mortii, acestea sa nu fuga. De cate fapte eroice sunt in stare in fata mortii... (anti f- squeeze)
Also fun fact, aceste strategii, in mod similar, au fost folosite si de Alexandru Macedon in sec. al IV-lea. Pentru a acapara, strategia lui se baza pe informatii, management, putere. Lua cu el in campanie istorici, care serveau ca un soi de sfatuitori.
My most useful passages from the book:
Generalul cand inainteaza nu trebuie sa urmareasca gloria persoana; cand se retrage, nu trebuie sa fie preocupat sa evite o sanctiune. El trebuie sa aiba un singur tel: protejarea populatiei si sa slujeasca interesul superior al suveranului sau
Momiti inamicul pt a l prinde in capcana; simulati dezordinea si loviti-l.
Intreaga arta a razboiului se bazeaza pe inselatorie. De aceea, daca esti capabil, simuleaza incapacitatea; daca esti activ, simuleaza pasivitatea.
Enervati l si derutati l pe general. Daca generalul e coleric, auroritatea sa poate fi usor subrezita. E instabil.
Daca am auzit vorbindu se de victorii in razboaie de scurta durata, purtate fara pricepere, n am vazut ceeo victorie in cazul unei operatiuni de lunga durata, chiar purtata cu iscusinta.
Un atac piate fi lipsit de ingeniozitate, dar trb sa se desfasoare cu viteza fulgerului.
Tratati i bn pe prizonieri si averi grija de ei. Ca sa poata fi folositi de noi. Asta inseamna sa castigi o batalie si sa devii mai puternic.
Cel mai important in razboi e sa atacati strategia inamicului.
Cel care exceleaza in rezolvarea dificultatilor inainte de a aparea, cel care este capabil sa si invinga adversarii triumfa inainte ca amenintarile acestora sa se concretizezr.
Atacati planurile inamicului prin anihilarea punctului lor de pornire. Apoi rupe i aliantele. Nu i lasati pe inamicii vostri sa se uneasca.
Cei care sunt experti in arta razboiului supun armata inamica fara lupta.
Scopul trebuie sa fie de a cuceri intact toot ceea ce este sub cer. In acest fel, trupele vor ramane neatinse si victoria va fi totala. Aceasta e arta strategiri ofensive.
Daca armata e dezorientata si lipsita de incredere, suveranii tarilor vecine for face greutati. Acesta e sensul proverbului "confuzia in armata duce la victoria adversarului".
"Acela care nu cunoaste bine obiectivele sale nu stie sa se opuna inamicului."
Cel care stie cand si cand nu sa angajeze lupta va fi victorios.
Cel care este prudent si asteapta un inamic imprudent va fi victorios.
Cunoasteti va inamicul si cunoasteti va pe voi insiva; intr o suta de batalii nu va veti expune vreunei primejdii. Cand nu va cunoasteti inamicul, dar va cunoasteti pe voi, sansele de victorie si infrangere sunt egale. Daca nu va cunoasteti inamicul, nici pe voi insiva, sunteti in pericol la fiecare batalie.
In vremurile vechi, razboinicii iscusiti incepeau prin a deveni de neinvins, apoi asteptau ca inamicul sa fie vulnerabil.
Invincibilitatea noastra depinde de noi, vulnerabilitatea inamicului, de el.
Confuzia aparenta rezulta din ordine, lasitatea aparenta din curaj, slabiciunea aparenta din forta. Cel care doreste sa simuleze lasitatea sa si pandeasca inamicul sa fie curajos, caci numai atunci va fi n stare sa simuleze frica.
Curajul si lasitatea depind de imprejurari, taria sau slabiciunea, de dispunere.
Arata i inamicului ca i ramane o posibilitate de salvare si strecoara i in suflet ca mai ecista si o alta solutie decat moartea. Dupa aceea, loveste
Este de ajuns sa evaluati corect situatia inamicului si sa ca concentrati fortele pt a pune mana pe el.
Rapiditatea este esenta rezboiului. Daca este ceva ce conteaza, este divina rapiditate.
Aruncati trupele intr o sit fara iesire, astfel ca, aflate in fata mortii, acestea sa nu fuga. De cate fapte eroice sunt in stare in fata mortii... (anti f- squeeze)
Also fun fact, aceste strategii, in mod similar, au fost folosite si de Alexandru Macedon in sec. al IV-lea. Pentru a acapara, strategia lui se baza pe informatii, management, putere. Lua cu el in campanie istorici, care serveau ca un soi de sfatuitori.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
Editie van Lionel Giles gelezen. Saaie bende, rare vertaling ook, zo'n Victoriaanse Brit die denkt dat hij alles beter weet dan de Chinese commentators die destijds leefden.
September 12, 2007
This classic of Chinese military philosophy has been used as a guide to military and business tacticians, alike. The ideas contained within the book are not reserved for military commanders and business executives. Rather, Sun Tzu's ideas are helpful to a person trying to buy a car, a house, "this" bushel of potatoes rather than "that" bushel of potatoes, walking through a questionable neighborhood, being victimized by inter-office politics, running for a local school board, or trying to convince one's significant other to take out the garbage. Taken as a "method of living," it also goes a long way to helping one avoid the "beige hell" that often accompanies age and growing comfortable in our space. That is to say, Sun Tzu's philosophical side can help us shake up the nest and live a little.
This edition of the book contains commentary by Ralph Sawyer, whose insights, explanation, and delineation of Sun Tzu's ideas is pretty enlightening; I don't always agree with him, but his tone suggests that everyone may not, and that he doesn't mind. The book contains The Art of War, but also Military Methods, by Sun Pin, a follower of Sun Tzu, whom the editor argues may have either been a contemporary, or that they may have been the same person. Either way, the texts work so well together that, to read Tzu, one must read Pin. The are both enlightening, and the edition is quite wonderful.
This edition of the book contains commentary by Ralph Sawyer, whose insights, explanation, and delineation of Sun Tzu's ideas is pretty enlightening; I don't always agree with him, but his tone suggests that everyone may not, and that he doesn't mind. The book contains The Art of War, but also Military Methods, by Sun Pin, a follower of Sun Tzu, whom the editor argues may have either been a contemporary, or that they may have been the same person. Either way, the texts work so well together that, to read Tzu, one must read Pin. The are both enlightening, and the edition is quite wonderful.
December 17, 2024
Oh thank God, I know the philosophy behind my troop management. That’ll come in handy.
The book emphasizes planning and adaptability and champions ideas of unnecessary conflict and its avoidance. Phrases like “win without fighting” or “take advantage of the terrain” are impressive in theory but offer little guidance on implementation. Its application to modern day business is overstated. We are in a board room, not a war zone. As a result, the book often requires supplementary commentary to unlock its value.
Much appreciated that the book challenges reader’s concepts, but it belongs in a shelf where other, more applicable, books can buttress it.
The book emphasizes planning and adaptability and champions ideas of unnecessary conflict and its avoidance. Phrases like “win without fighting” or “take advantage of the terrain” are impressive in theory but offer little guidance on implementation. Its application to modern day business is overstated. We are in a board room, not a war zone. As a result, the book often requires supplementary commentary to unlock its value.
Much appreciated that the book challenges reader’s concepts, but it belongs in a shelf where other, more applicable, books can buttress it.
May 29, 2015
Read this for my book club. Actually listened to it on audiobook. It was interesting, but overly specific in some instances. I tended to get bogged down in the minutia. Overall some really good tips to vanquish my enemy and for staging my next attack.
February 3, 2013
the transcriptions were confusing. i didn't like the footnotes
Read
March 23, 2013A must read for everyone
Read
May 17, 2014This classic not only teaches one the maneuvers of warfare, but of life!!! Recently rated one of top 10 tough reads or books one does not truthfully tell whether he/she read it!
February 15, 2023
Very good.
December 21, 2024
ben nu mentaal voorbereid op oorlog lol
January 20, 2013
Maybe it was the translator...maybe the material...maybe it's just a very old style of writing, but I struggled to finish this 'classic'. The general, Sun Tzu (aka Wu Tsu), outlines the rules of war in 13 easy steps....rules that could be, and have been, translated into the corporate world, a blueprint for success. Sun Pin's comments are clumsily interspersed with Wu's.
There are, more likely, 14 steps, if you include boredom (the General spoke: "After beheading the commanders of the drill teams, the general read his entire 13 points of the conduct of war to the assembly of troops....whereupon they collectively beheaded themselves."...so spoke Ssu-ma Ch'ien.
The points Sun Tzu raises are valid, mostly relating to common sense. I can actually understand that this short treatise could be used as an outline for success, but only if carried-out metaphorically.
I wonder if Alexander the Great read this? Or, better yet, was Homer actually Sun Tzu?
There are, more likely, 14 steps, if you include boredom (the General spoke: "After beheading the commanders of the drill teams, the general read his entire 13 points of the conduct of war to the assembly of troops....whereupon they collectively beheaded themselves."...so spoke Ssu-ma Ch'ien.
The points Sun Tzu raises are valid, mostly relating to common sense. I can actually understand that this short treatise could be used as an outline for success, but only if carried-out metaphorically.
I wonder if Alexander the Great read this? Or, better yet, was Homer actually Sun Tzu?
May 30, 2013
Sun Tzu's Art of war
This book is a extremely good book. It takes you through the history of ancient China and teaches you life lessons and strategies along the way. His strategies have been read by strategists to business men. And is still incredibly hard to interpret.
I recommend this book to any deep thinker or strategical person. The interpretation of it is much simpler than other additions and anyone older than 12 should understand it.
This book is a extremely good book. It takes you through the history of ancient China and teaches you life lessons and strategies along the way. His strategies have been read by strategists to business men. And is still incredibly hard to interpret.
I recommend this book to any deep thinker or strategical person. The interpretation of it is much simpler than other additions and anyone older than 12 should understand it.
January 30, 2016
Amazing - this was written around 600 BCE - more than 2600 years ago, and yet it is still remarkably relevant. I am certainly not interested in war and its strategy nor even in the functioning of organizations but yet this intrigued me. I wonder how much of it could serve as a metaphor for other aspects of life. "There are roads not to take. Armies not to attack."
December 22, 2022
I listened to an audiobook version, and I didn't fully understand the structure. I believe I listened to the standard text straight through, and then it re-went through the whole book but adding the editor/translator notes. Usually when I read books with notes, I tend to flip back and forth to get the notes on my first read, so it felt a little strange to me.
October 5, 2011
Great info but it just kind of ended...
June 21, 2012
Reading it... Too deep a book.
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