This classic of Chinese military philosophy has been used as a guide to military and business tacticians, alike. The ideas contained within the book are not reserved for military commanders and business executives. Rather, Sun Tzu's ideas are helpful to a person trying to buy a car, a house, "this" bushel of potatoes rather than "that" bushel of potatoes, walking through a questionable neighborhood, being victimized by inter-office politics, running for a local school board, or trying to convince one's significant other to take out the garbage. Taken as a "method of living," it also goes a long way to helping one avoid the "beige hell" that often accompanies age and growing comfortable in our space. That is to say, Sun Tzu's philosophical side can help us shake up the nest and live a little.

This edition of the book contains commentary by Ralph Sawyer, whose insights, explanation, and delineation of Sun Tzu's ideas is pretty enlightening; I don't always agree with him, but his tone suggests that everyone may not, and that he doesn't mind. The book contains The Art of War, but also Military Methods, by Sun Pin, a follower of Sun Tzu, whom the editor argues may have either been a contemporary, or that they may have been the same person. Either way, the texts work so well together that, to read Tzu, one must read Pin. The are both enlightening, and the edition is quite wonderful.

[backlog] not relevant to the book but something i dislike about goodreads is the inability to choose different versions of a book which is originally non-English. so much is lost or gained through the translator. also not the kindle version

To be frank, the book's popularity leaves me somewhat baffled. At its core, the book mainly delves into the tactics of illusion and disorienting the enemy. While it presents some interesting ideas, their applicability in today's business environment is questionable. Anyone familiar with the book would know how to counter these strategies, and some of the points are rather obvious. However, there are two key takeaways that stick with me: first, an army with no other options but a clear plan tends to fight more effectively, as their lives are on the line; second, the importance of understanding different terrains and how they offer distinct advantages in specific situations.

Read this for my book club. Actually listened to it on audiobook. It was interesting, but overly specific in some instances. I tended to get bogged down in the minutia. Overall some really good tips to vanquish my enemy and for staging my next attack.

Oh thank God, I know the philosophy behind my troop management. That’ll come in handy.
The book emphasizes planning and adaptability and champions ideas of unnecessary conflict and its avoidance. Phrases like “win without fighting” or “take advantage of the terrain” are impressive in theory but offer little guidance on implementation. Its application to modern day business is overstated. We are in a board room, not a war zone. As a result, the book often requires supplementary commentary to unlock its value.
Much appreciated that the book challenges reader’s concepts, but it belongs in a shelf where other, more applicable, books can buttress it.

It's a 3/5 read, if you need inspiration to be creative. There are many 5/5 book out there, this wasn't one of them.

Very Helpful Book Even Strategies Of This Book Works Today But The Only Problem Is Translation Which Is Wrong Somewhere But If You Ignore This Problem Like Me Then This Book Deserves 5/5.

Scary to think how long ago this was written. I had to read, digest, re-read and then think about it in context to my life and career. Weirdly enough, I might have to re-read the whole thing in a couple of years, and will likely learn a whole new lesson.
Patience padawans, this is not a light read; it's length will deceive you.

elibrary

Hit ‘em where they ain’t - Sun Tzu

Part of The Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge. Book 3/339. This book was good. It just definitely wasn’t for me. Four Stars.

Pretty basic.