Sun Tzu's The Art of War
by Sun Tzu
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Book Summary Information
Author: Sun TzuEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-10-20
ISBN: 1449556760
Number of pages: 54
Publisher: CreateSpace
Book Reviews of Sun Tzu's The Art of War
Book Review: A few grains of truth in a lot of chaff
Summary: 3 Stars
Today many of Sun Tzu quotas are floating around mixed with Shakespeare and the Bible. And as with many of the quote they are out of context and misleading. The quoter usually thinks repeating the word is some sort of magic.
Most versions of this work spend more time trying to identify and qualify Sun Tzu's writings than just quoting them. I will not go through all the arguments as to who "wrote what when" or "translated what when" as you can read this for yourself.
Another distraction is the attempt to show how the book was applied or not applied in recent wars. This may be interesting to someone whose intention is to apply the theories of Sun Tzu; however it is not his writing but someone else's interpretation of its application.
Now let's finally get to Sun Tzu. It is easy with hindsight and a closer look at the future to dismiss Sun Tzu as his practical tactical knowledge is of a time and place long gone. He spends a lot of time on the use of weapons and information gathering techniques of the time. This can be interesting in a historical context; other wise it is quite amusing.
Oh yes those grains of truth I mentioned, well they may sound like clich's but they are still viable. "Know your enemy and know yourself". Others are just practical sense and statistical outcomes that you learn in any military training. I could go through the list, but again that is why you buy the book.
Now just as you decide that the book is outdated for any practical purposes today we have artillery and now stealth and precision, the reminder that "no two wars are alike" and "it is flexibility that makes a difference" is being shown today to still be true. Even in today's wars there is a need for good intelligence and deception. We put a lot of time and energy into Psy-Ops. Sun Tzu shows the advantage in specialized units and crack troops.
I have spent several years in the military and in business and can say this book is a nice addition to history, otherwise of very little value to today's world for war or business.
The most abuse of this book is trying to use it for projects as project management is a science that that was in its infancy at the time this book was written.
Summary of Sun Tzu's The Art of War
The Art of War written by the legendary Sun Tzu is widely considered to be one of the greatest books of all time. This great classic on war and strategy has been read by many in all walks of life from politicians to business leaders and the like. For many, The Art of War is required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic literature, this gem by Sun Tzu is highly recommended. Published by Classic Books International and beautifully produced, The Art of War would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone's personal library.Strategy Books
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