The Art of War
2008.10.02
- The Art of War by
Sun TzuThe Art of War is a classic which originated in China 2000 years ago. The Sun Tzu family were considered masters in the knowledge of warfare at a time when knowledge was not just a Google click away.
I had my eye on this book for quite some time and while it certainly lived up the reputation of a classic, after a while I realized it was something that just didn't hold my interest. Strategy has never been my forte, and many times while reading the thought occurred that I would not make a very good general.
Despite that I can recognize wisdom when it’s spelled out in black and white… noteworthy passages:
“Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle, will arrive exhausted.”
“Numerical weakness comes from having to prepare against possible attacks; numerical strength from compelling our adversary to make these preparations against us.”
“All warfare is based on deception.”
“There is no instance of a country having benefited from a prolonged war.”