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5,996 ratings,
3.86
average rating, 583 reviews
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published
January 11th 2005
(first published 1963)
by Shambhala
binding
Mass Market Paperback, 224 pages
url
setting
China
isbn
1590302257
(isbn13: 9781590302255)
description
Conflict is an inevitable part of life, according to this ancient Chinese classic of strategy, but everything necessary to deal with conflict wisely, ...more
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avg 3.86
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
recommends it for:
People willing to try something new
The Art of War
-Sun Tzu
Barnes & Nobles Classics, 2003, 304 pp., $7.95
ISBN 1-59308-016-6
“When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.” Sun Tzu’s blueprint for battlefield strategy, The Art of War, is not only significant for warfare, but also relevant to modern everyday life. Obsolete, people might look down on Sun Tzu for sharing all of the “obvious” concepts, but the truth is that we were only...more
-Sun Tzu
Barnes & Nobles Classics, 2003, 304 pp., $7.95
ISBN 1-59308-016-6
“When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.” Sun Tzu’s blueprint for battlefield strategy, The Art of War, is not only significant for warfare, but also relevant to modern everyday life. Obsolete, people might look down on Sun Tzu for sharing all of the “obvious” concepts, but the truth is that we were only...more
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5 comments
recommends it for:
Everyone
So many little wars must be waged daily. Works on the battlefield and the office.
CLASSICS:
"When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move."
"In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory."
"Thus those skilled in war subdue the enemy's army without battle .... They conquer by strategy."
"K...more
CLASSICS:
"When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move."
"In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory."
"Thus those skilled in war subdue the enemy's army without battle .... They conquer by strategy."
"K...more
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Read in April, 2009
(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com:]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being reprinted illegally here.)
The CCLaP 100: In which I read for the first time a hundred so-called "classics," then write essays on whether or not they deserve the label. The Art of War is essay #27 of this series.
The story in a nutshell:
More of a technical manual than a piece of general litera...more
The CCLaP 100: In which I read for the first time a hundred so-called "classics," then write essays on whether or not they deserve the label. The Art of War is essay #27 of this series.
The story in a nutshell:
More of a technical manual than a piece of general litera...more
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2 comments
Read in July, 2008
recommends it for:
anyone interested in Imperial Chinese military strategies.
While Sun Tzu is constantly praised for his work on The Art of War, I find it hard to believe that it has inspired anyone. This famous military strategy book has provided people such as Napoleon and the cast of 'Survivor: China' advice on handling the opposing force. However, despite the simple (yet adequate) translation that Lionel Giles provided, The Art of War does nothing more than to reiterate common sense. Sun Tzu asks the audience to not show off their strong points, but to lead the enemy...more
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Read in September, 2007
If you've ever picked up a self-help book where the author is repeatedly stating the obvious, then you've experienced the writing style of this book. The overall concepts could've been summarized in a short essay rather than a book. Its length is a testament to its antiquity, though the author has done a noble job of re-ordering and editing bits of the chapters to provide continuity and to delete repetition.
Oriental philosophy is often ripe with a kind of double-speak and this book...more
Oriental philosophy is often ripe with a kind of double-speak and this book...more
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Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
friends
One of the classics of the ancient world, it also speaks volumes in our own modern world.
This particular version had a long-winded history lesson as it's introduction, which was much longer than Sun Tzu's book itself. It was somewhat interesting, but not all that necessary. The actual book can be somewhat vague (we don't need to fight the way ancient Chinese warriors did), but it is easily open to the reader's own interpretation to apply to situations in their own lives. I highly rec...more
This particular version had a long-winded history lesson as it's introduction, which was much longer than Sun Tzu's book itself. It was somewhat interesting, but not all that necessary. The actual book can be somewhat vague (we don't need to fight the way ancient Chinese warriors did), but it is easily open to the reader's own interpretation to apply to situations in their own lives. I highly rec...more
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The version of the Art of War I would recommend is by Shambhala. It's the most readable and most touching translations I've found of this book. The Shambhala translation comes with essays by the Shambhala group, which add to the great depth and breadth of this work. I've read this book two or three times, with the essays, and I will continue to read it many more times throughout my life. Despite the name, it's not just for those interested in war. It's a book about strategy and rhythms and flow ...more
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Read in November, 2008
The Art of War has been on my ‘to read’ list for a long time because it seems to be frequently referenced and I wanted to read the source of the hype. Sun Tzu’s lists of adages are grouped by topic into 13 chapters (see helpful overview at Wiki Art of War.
The chapter titles are: 1) Laying Plans (Detail Assessment & Planning, Calculations); 2) Waging War (The Challenge); 3)Attack by Stratagem (Strategic Attack, The Plan of Attack); 4) Tactical Dispositions (Disposition of the Ar...more
The chapter titles are: 1) Laying Plans (Detail Assessment & Planning, Calculations); 2) Waging War (The Challenge); 3)Attack by Stratagem (Strategic Attack, The Plan of Attack); 4) Tactical Dispositions (Disposition of the Ar...more
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in September, 2008
I hoped to get more from the Art of War than I did. I hoped to find in this translation of the ancient text metaphors and symbolic formulations that I could apply to my own life. In particular I hoped to find ways to overcome the challenges in life that we create in our minds. I also hoped to find ways to become a better drummer: stronger, clearer of mind, more fearless. Perhaps I expected too much. I think this text bears more heavily upon those who seek to excel in adversarial endeavors, ...more
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Read in November, 2007
The Art of War is often referenced in other books and movies as being a great source of information on how to strategize in business as well as war. I believe Donald Trump has raved about it more than once as something that has helped him build his, um, "empire".
The first section is the Lionel Giles' translation of Sun Tzu's masterpiece; the second section is also Lionel Giles' translation of Sun Tzu's masterpiece, with his own interpretations interspersed throughout the r...more
The first section is the Lionel Giles' translation of Sun Tzu's masterpiece; the second section is also Lionel Giles' translation of Sun Tzu's masterpiece, with his own interpretations interspersed throughout the r...more
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Read in April, 2007
recommends it for:
morons or tacticians
Evidently, it seems, for the last couple thousand years, EVERYONE has been using the same textbook on how to conduct a war. It also seems to be that nobody even knows for sure who wrote the book or when, but everyone uses it anyway. Included in this book are precious reminders that strategy helps you win, retreating helps you not die, if you outnumber the enemy 5 to 1, attacking would probably be a good idea, and also if you're a tiny country surrounded by powerful countries, it might be time to...more
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As the rating implies...it was ok. Some people say that Sun Tsu's principles can be applied in real life, that his tactics and strategies have broader implications. If you stretch your imagination, you can see what those people are talking about. But in reality, those strategies can be impossible to employ in daily life. Choosing a defensive ground to limit the opportunities of your enemies to attack...engaging in battle only when the battle can be won. That's great...but sometimes you are s...more
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The Art of War is a classic book, read by countless people around the world. It's lessons have universal application, not only to military tactics, but to business, leadership, and, ultimately, life. Sun Tzu's genius is complemented by examples of battles throughout history that are specific to his lessons. The teachings of this book could spell success in life for those who use them correctly.
The style of this book is mainly instructional. The lessons are divided up into secti...more
The style of this book is mainly instructional. The lessons are divided up into secti...more
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Read in April, 2009
The Art of War is full of simple comments. Obvious comments perhaps but sometimes the obvious needs pointing out. Some bits are too obvious and down-right daft though - for example, the tips on which ground is good for fighting on.
I can see how and why this is used in terms of business as well as war. It would take some stretch of the imagination to consider it helpful to every day life though. The first few pages maybe include some basic tips. As it goes on, it gets a littl...more
I can see how and why this is used in terms of business as well as war. It would take some stretch of the imagination to consider it helpful to every day life though. The first few pages maybe include some basic tips. As it goes on, it gets a littl...more
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Read in June, 2000
An interesting book from a historical perspective, I enjoyed reading Tzu's philosophy and see some practical applications. I just have to laugh at all the corporate-types who read this because they believe they are going to get ahead in the office. Sun Tzu would have stabbed you for using his material to try and get a promotion in the accounting department.
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recommends it for:
everyone
An intriguing read for its distinct format: chapters and sentences. No plot, story, or characters... simply strategies for winning, losing, drawing, positioning, leadership, and dozens of other topics. Applicable to education, business, faith, entertainment, and almost every aspect of society, it's a book we should all read at least once.
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01/19/09
James Beezhold
added it
Those who care deeply about people may be manipulated and tormented,those who are furious may be lured into fatal traps,those who are self-righteous may be shamed,those who are afraid of dying may be caught,those who are fatalistic may be granted their innermost wishes.Study the steps,employ spies,spies,lots of spies,attack alliances,appear weak,be flexible,feed off the enemy,use guilt and judgement to torment the enemy,make long distances appear short and vice-versa,employ deception and theatre...more
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This is an amazing work, and one everyone should read who is interested in foreign affairs and diplomacy. The failings of the Bush administration become even clearer in the philosophy set forth in this book.
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Read in April, 2009
This was assigned reading for a leadership class in grad school. It's a very strange book, most of it is about how to organize your troops for battle. Other parts are readily applicable to management in today's business world, e.g., the parts about how to make your troops loyal and devoted to the cause. When I saw things that seemed very applicable to modern life, I highlighted them and put notes in the margin .... so hopefully I'll be organized and ready for the essay questions on the Open B...more
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I hope that someday I will get to be the commander of an army of children playing capture the flag so I can implement one or two of Sun Tzu's timeless strategies. The Gutenberg version comes with interesting notes from one of the first academic translators of the text. These include lots of anecdotes involving such military leaders as Napoleon, Custer, the Boer War, and, of course, famous Chinese generals. I would give it a higher ranking if I could figure out how I will ever apply any of this s...more
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quotes from this book
"Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle."
More quotes...
