Product Details
Author : Sun Tzu
Binding : Paperback
EAN : 9780486425573
Number of Pages : 96
Product Group : Book
Publication Date : 2002-11-13
Publisher : Dover Publications
ASIN : 0486425576
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Editorial Reviews
From Amazon.com
The Art of War is the Swiss army knife of military theory--pop out a different tool for any situation. Folded into this small package are compact views on resourcefulness, momentum, cunning, the profit motive, flexibility, integrity, secrecy, speed, positioning, surprise, deception, manipulation, responsibility, and practicality. Thomas Cleary's translation keeps the package tight, with crisp language and short sections. Commentaries from the Chinese tradition trail Sun-tzu's words, elaborating and picking up on puzzling lines. Take the solitary passage: "Do not eat food for their soldiers." Elsewhere, Sun-tzu has told us to plunder the enemy's stores, but now we're not supposed to eat the food? The Tang dynasty commentator Du Mu solves the puzzle nicely, "If the enemy suddenly abandons their food supplies, they should be tested first before eating, lest they be poisoned." Most passages, however, are the pinnacle of succinct clarity: "Lure them in with the prospect of gain, take them by confusion" or "Invincibility is in oneself, vulnerability is in the opponent." Sun-tzu's maxims are widely applicable beyond the military because they speak directly to the exigencies of survival. Your new tools will serve you well, but don't flaunt them. Remember Sun-tzu's advice: "Though effective, appear to be ineffective." --Brian Bruya
Customer Reviews
Written Like an Instructional Book (2007-08-22)  Even though this book was written over 2000 years ago, many of these tactics (many of whom I find are common sense) still apply today.Unfortunately, I found the book was at times confusing to read and wondered a bit. This is really written like an instructional book, something I did not expect and most likely the reason why I didn't like the reading. This is a good book to read but paying $7.50 for it (I paid $3) is not worth it and you could find other books out there that contain much more information.Kevin
Not an instruction book for ass-whoopin' (2005-04-11)  It is interesting to note that all of the readers see this as a text on war, and how to beat your enemies. The first part of the book should be a leson to all of the war-mongers out there, that is If You Go To War You Have Already Lost. The consequences to your own people and soldiers and even the land must be counted for years after the battle is done. Sun-Tzu explains this well, and proceeds to explain how to wage a war causing the minimum amount of damage and suffering.
The Best of the Best (2004-07-17) This book is absolutely brilliant, and reading it is a tremendous experience. Sun Tzu is the master, and the Art of War, though aimed specifically on military warfare, is a masterpiece on general strategy and tactics that can be used in many sitautions. In fact, I will bet you that many of the most succesful sports coaches, boxers, businessmen, ploiticians, etc use tactics similar to those found in this book. The Art of War is not a long book, but despite its size, it is totally packed with content. Some themes of the book include - always ensuring you are prepared - adapting and responding to circumstances - knowing yourself, the enemy, and the environment - being unpredictable, secretive, and deceptive - making calculations - exploiting opportunities - avoiding your enemy's strengths, and attacking his weak spots - causing disorder among your enemy - using baits to manipulate others - ensuring good teamwork through picking the right people to do the right job, good communication, and synergy - knowing when to fight and when not to fight The book is an absolute gem. It is invaluable and a must read. Sun Tzu has a beatiful style, and I really love the Lionel Giles translation, which although old, is still hihgly readable and among the best there is. I also recommend Rodney Ohebsion's tranlsation and selection and arrangement of passages, which is an adaptation of the Giles translation, and is in the book A Collection of Wisdom. In summary, I would just like to say that The Art of War is definitely one of the greatest texts ever written, and is a must for the student of life.
I will mention the president (2004-07-16) This book has nothing to do with George Bush or terrorism, but I feel the need to bring up both issues. George W. Bush is the greatest president in the history of the United States. He might like this book. Terrorism is bad. It must be stopped. Thank you for your support.
George Bush Read This Book? (2004-07-16) Its funny that someone here mentioned George Bush pertaining to this book because one of the first passages I read reminded me of his speech from the aircraft carrier when he claimed a very premature victory. The book very strongly warns against the foolishness of assuming victory too soon and recommends a strategy of allowing a more powerful adversary to assume victory while waiting to attack later when they are distracted and less strong. After reading that i thought - Ha! Bush would have been well-suited to have read this book. Overall though I have to admit that I didn't love the book. So many ppl recommended the book to me that I was truly hoping it was going to be a favorite but i was frankly board throughout most of what I found to be extremely obvious observations. Perhaps I'll give it anothe try and try to soak up more of the subtle details at a later time when I have more patience.
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