Rating: Summary: Ancient yet timeless wisdom Review: For those who are unfamiliar with the general principles and the theory/purpose of war, the "Art of War" makes an excellent short read. The surprising thing about this book, written by a Chinese philosopher and general 2,500 years ago, is that it is just as applicable today as when in was written. The principles Sun Tzu outlines range from simple common sense, to sage advice, and his book is even today used by militaries in studying the theory of war. Significantly, Sun Tzu points out that the true purpose of war is to obtain peace and maintain safety, a thought that is often lost on modern society. He also breaks down various aspects of warfare, considering the usage of spies, tactics and strategy, battlefield terrain, and the necessity of discipline. Another nice feature of this book is the interesting anecdotes inserted by the editor James Clavell, which illustrate the various points made by Sun Tzu.
Rating: Summary: Relevant today--in warfare and everyday life Review: "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu is a book that is just as relevant today as it was when it was written. Only now, life isn't as simple To some, things like careers, sports, and love are considered just as cutthroat as any conflict between warring nations. If one is willing to see their world in the simplest terms, there are no limits to the knowledge they can receive from studying this book.
Rating: Summary: The Art of War Review: The Art of War by Sun Tzu was written over two thousand years ago, but is still relavent to todays thinking. Comprehensive in depth of understanding and bringing the concentrated essence of wisdom on the conduction of war, but all apropos to business life of today.This book gives the reader a look into the Chinese mind and the philosophy, background, and paramount importance to the survival of the state. Not only from the battlefield, but ecomomical as well as political aspects...waging a successful war requires a firm grasp of the human, physicial and organizational factors involved as well. Understanding these, and controlling the constantly shifting interaction... will achieve victory. Like stacking the deck in a poker game, you control the outcome. The book contains lucid and cogent prose that are remarkable, clear and offer an acuity of intellectual and moral insights.
Rating: Summary: can't say enough good things about this book Review: Applying Sun Tzu is not obvious because it is book written thousands of years ago and it's not clear that you are necessarily "at war" in all that you do. Many of us have not even picked up a gun let alone engaged in a "war." But this book is far from war, and more like advice and wisdom on what to do with people who are less than honest. In the days of corporate accounting scandals, this seems commonplace. We are not in control of what they do (at least most of us are not that high on the food chain and must accept the orders of those above us to feed our families) so we must ask ourselves what we can do and how should we treat those that are out to deceive us. My favorite quote is "Know your enemy and know yourself." You have to know who you are working for, whether that person has any integrity, because if he doesn't, get out. I don't care how much money you are making in your career, it's not going to last if you're boss is dishonest. He will disown you whenever it is convenient and sell you downstream. It's just not worth it.
Rating: Summary: The Master in out-of-the-box (indirect) thinking! Review: The "Art of War" Offers some timeless guidelines for unconventional thinking, if only to recognize devious maneuvers from others and how to prepare against them. However, if you are looking for a translation that pinpoints to business application, I suggest you another copy, as this "generic" translation left me scratching my head at times... To sum up: "Art of War" is a classic and definitively a read...But please remember: The biggest objective, according to Sun Tzu, is always to win without fighting.
Rating: Summary: IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A STONE-AGE WARRIOR WROTE---- Review: ---A BOOK THAT IS STILL IMPORTANT TODAY!!! But that's because some principles are universal. Like the basics of fighting a war. The only reason I picked up THE ART OF WAR, was because I saw it on the George Wythe College all-time great books list (those that would be good to read if you want to have a great education). I am a very busy person, but I couldn't put this book down. It was TOO interesting! It helped me to underestnd basic military strategy. Much of it can also be used to learn some BASICS OF HUMAN NATURE. --George Stancliffe
Rating: Summary: Good stuff Review: Before buying this book, I reccommend you go to search engine like Google.com and type in "Art of War Sun Tzu." You will find the body of the famous doctrine easiliy. Read it over, and if you are still interested, then buy the book to have as a reference (in order to really learn this stuff you will have to read it repeatedly) and to learn about the historical background. It is an awesome book if you are into this stuff, but if you are just looking for a good summary and general idea, go to the web.
Rating: Summary: WAR! Review: This is an instruction manual on how to wage war in real life. Some people say it's wisdom is applicable to office life, and sporting events, but that is not the way it was written and in no way does the entire book make a good anology to either. It's about war.
Rating: Summary: History and strategy Review: This is a very compeling book containing the secrets to warfar or competition. Useful knowledge in all walks of life and a very interesting read.
Rating: Summary: Brilliant Review: I have to say that this is a wonderful source for military tactics and how to wage a war. Sun Tzu is indeed very perceptive and intelligent, and he does an excellent job of simplifying the concept of war and breaking it down for the average person to enjoy. Even today it is relivant and intresting, and it is very thought provoking. Throught history, China is an exception to all nations inthat it managed to stay together and perserve itself throught thousands of years and stay in the same shape despite conquoring and the world around them. No wonder they managed this with brilliant people like Sun Tzu around . And for those who did not like it becuase it was just about war tactics and was a little dry, well, what were you expecting? This is called "the Art of War". Take note of the word "war" in the title. That must mean it is about war! It does not take a genius to figure that out.
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