The Art of War by Sun Tzu Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Art of War
Book Review: A note on translations
Summary: 5 Stars
The best translation of Sun Tzu's work is by R. L. Wing because he captures best the nuance of the Chinese meaning of the text. Griffith's translation is good as he includes notes from other sources (other ancient Chinese strategists) to give the reader multiple interpretations of the text.Book Review: A pleasure to be read
Summary: 5 Stars
Few new things can be said about this milestone of human being thinking. 2.500 years ago, human being were surprisingly close to us nowadays. They faced up the same threats and gut feelings. Read this book, learn from men who had to face harsh situations and get lessons from them. Don't be mislead by the title. Its points of views about the nature of human being and the action courses derived from them are applicable to today's real life (business and life). Nevertheless, do not read this book as a manual, read it as a pleasure. Can you ask for something better?.Book Review: A tiresome read, but worth it...
Summary: 2 Stars
This book is not exciting. It is written like a text book. I feel that it would be a good read for anyone that is getting into a competative business because it teaches you how to win. Sun Tzu discusses various strategies that one could use to achieve victory under many different circumstances. Again, only read this book if you are looking to learn something. Don't buy it expecting a casual read, because you will be dissapointed.Book Review: A true classic.
Summary: 5 Stars
Sun Tzu's The Art of War is more than just a collection of common-sense adages. It is a comprehensive treatment of war and its relationship to society as a whole. At first, some of the selections seem obvious and naive. But then you come across a pearl of wisdom that really makes you think. And only after reading the entire book, and some historical backing too, do you realize what an achievement the book really is. Anyone that is interested in politics and warfare will find The Art of War to be very enlightening.Book Review: AP World History Review
Summary: 4 Stars
I read the book entitled, The Art of War by Sun Tzu. I feel that Sun Tzus purpose of writing this book is that of teaching war strategies. His emphasis was on not killing people, rather that of emerging victorious in the least amount of time. He was much more interested in confusion rather than massacre. Sun Tzu stresses that the war needs to be quickly won, he has been quoted to say, There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited. I believe that even today, these strategies that Sun Tzu came up with, prove to be effective. Deception, not necessarily deceit, is one of the principal concepts in this novel. Sun Tzu had first hand experience in The Art of War; therefore his essays are provoking and believable. Sun Tzus theories on war can be applied to a great many things, such as business and sports. Sun Tzu accomplished his goal, that being to teach people his theories on war. He was, during his time, a very unique man, and during our time, he still is a very unique man. The original novel was written by Sun Tzu in about 400 B.C. There has been much deliberation about when Sun Tzu existed, or even if he existed. It is only an approximation to say he was around in 400 B.C. Due to the words he uses and his descriptions of the time period, scholars have reach an approximate time in which he lived. The translator of Sun Tzus essays makes this information readily available and understandable. It has then been translated many times. I read the version translated by, Samuel B. Griffith. Samuel B. Griffith did an obscene amount of research on this project. He includes an extensive bibliography as well as a recognition page. Some of his sources include; The Taiheiki. A Chronicle of Medieval Japan by Helen Craig, The Analects of Confucius by Arthur Waley, and The Development of Iron and Steel Technology in China by J. Needham. He also included an introduction to make the fourth century B.C. more understandable. Griffith explained to the unknowing person why Sun Tzus essays were written. That was extremely helpful due to the fact I had little knowledge of that time period. There were also numerous other things that helped to make the novel clearer such as; maps to show monopolies, paintings of Sun Tzu himself, and various Chinese symbols. One such painting was entitled Sun Tzu Drilling the Concubines of King Ho-Lu. This picture shows Sun Tzu trying to confuse his enemies through training women. I believe that this man was enthralled with this translation. You can feel that from his writing. His writing, though overwhelming at first, is easily understandable and rather entertaining. He provides many different views on the some subject. I really enjoyed reading this book. All of Griffiths enthusiasm poured into his writing made it a quick, entertaining read. I must admit, during the first part of the book, I was rather bored. There was so much history that was going on while reading, I saw no point to the book being written. As I got farther into The Art of War I began to see things in a different light. The words began to mean something to me. I was able to relate some of the phrases into my own life. That changed everything for me. In my mind, and hopefully in everyone elses mind that has read this book, this was indeed a book that needed to be written. I think that it should be required reading to all those studying business. It may seem weird that a book written about war pertains to business; however, many strategies taken metaphorically can help a great many people. People in the navy, military, or the army should read this book as well. I think it is rather obvious why they should read it though. If you do not fit into any of these categories, you should still read the essays. If not for anything else it can teach you quite a bit about early Chinese culture. I think any person can take away something from this book. Whether it is to not be so blunt, not let others control you, or something simpler like having a plan and accomplishing it in the shortest amount of time. I advise everyone to at least attempt to read these essays by Sun Tzu. You will not regret it.