awesome book

What struck me most is the emphasis on intelligence, adaptability, and understanding the dynamics of conflict. The book teaches that true strength lies in knowing oneself and one’s opponent, a lesson that resonates universally.

Reading it... Too deep a book.

The Art of War is a timeless masterpiece of military strategy and philosophy, and this book proved to be one of the coolest reads I have ever finished. This book was also incredible to read not only because of the insight that I was getting on how to defeat an opponent but because of the lifelong teachings that I gained from reading this book. This is beneficial to my future, which is one of the reasons why I enjoyed reading it so much, and the knowledge that I picked up from Sun Tzu's teachings is priceless.

I have wanted to read this book for a very long time, especially when I heard of it on TikTok and in my history class, where my teacher hyped it up for me and individuals online gave it excellent reviews. Individuals online were talking about how it changed the way they deal with conflict, and I can totally see how that happened, as the way I will deal with conflict in the future will change. Not only are there so many things to cover and so many key takeaways for this book, but the mere fact that it was written in B.C, before the year 0, is absolutely incredible and proves that the information is timeless and can be applied to things that generations in the future will have. These 6 things, as researched online, are what people need to understand and need to change their life by. This has significantly changed the way I think and how I will move forward in the future, and everyone and anyone need to read this book. This was especially important to me, because Sun Tzu taught me to know my own strengths and weaknesses, which I have never considered before.

Key takeaways, as researched, is as follows:

1. The importance of planning and preparation: Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of thorough planning and preparation before engaging in any conflict. This principle can be applied to any endeavor, whether it's starting a business or preparing for an important meeting.

2. The value of understanding your strengths and weaknesses: Sun Tzu stresses the importance of knowing yourself and your enemy. By understanding your strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of your opponent, you can develop strategies that will give you an advantage.

3. The importance of adaptability: Sun Tzu emphasizes the need to be flexible and adaptable in the face of changing circumstances. This principle is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced and rapidly changing world.

4. The value of diplomacy and negotiation: Sun Tzu stresses the importance of avoiding conflict whenever possible, using diplomacy and negotiation to achieve your goals. This principle can be applied in business, politics, and personal relationships, where compromise and cooperation are often more effective than confrontation.

5. The role of leadership: Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in achieving victory. A good leader inspires their team and leads by example, instilling confidence and courage in their troops.

6. The importance of morale: Sun Tzu stresses the importance of maintaining high morale among your troops. This principle can be applied in any organization, where motivated and engaged employees are key to success.

All of these factors are key to life and are timeless pieces of information. I deeply enjoyed this book and will keep reading it for years to come.

Honestamente no es mi estilo de lectura. Lo sentí muy literal como una guía para la guerra. Me hubiese gustado tener más ejemplos aplicables claramente en la vida. No digo que sea un libro malo, simplemente no lo sentí tan fácil de entender. Espero no le afecte a nadie mi opinión... fue algo aburrido.
Quizás si sean buenos consejos cuando los analizas muy detenidamente. Pero personalmente me gustan los libros que son más cómodos y fáciles de entender, de lo contrario lo siento como leyendo un libro de estudio en una clase del colegio.

2.- Wagging war : Foraging on the enemy; It can also be applied to business, where it means looking for underpriced items or having funds available when prices and demand are low.
Be prepared for the worst case scenario
3.- Attack by stratagem: It is better to capture an army than to destroy it. Break the enemy resistance without fighting. Gana quién sabe cuándo pelear y cuándo no. conócete a ti y también al enemigo.
4.- Tactical Dispositions: un buen ganador no es solo el que gana, sino el que gana fácilmente o con poca dificultad.
5.- Energy: Tácticas indirectas y directas se usan en batalla, pero en combinación son mucho más poderosas. Ejemplo de una roca que si bien puede ser usada para causar daño directamente, si se lanza por una colina y agarra momentum y velocidad puede ser aún más devastadora. El truco aquí es combinar lo estratégico con lo directo.
6.- Weak points and strong: desconocimiento puede ser una debilidad muy grande. Conocer donde es el punto débil del enemigo, te ayuda a saber dónde atacar.
7.- Maneuvring: Actualizar nueva ruta si ves que la ruta que elegiste no tiene posibilidad de sobrevivir, cambia la ruta a una que tenga mejor posibilidad. Lo importante aquí es la habilidad para cambiar y adaptarse.
8. Variation in tactics: Cuidado con el humor y tomar decisiones rápidas y sin analizar con cuidado.
9. The army on the march
10. Terrain: tener la habilidad de ver todo el terreno y la situación con ventajas y desventajas.
11. The nine situations
12.- The attack by fire
13. The use of spies

13 broad strategies succulent with generalized yet highly effective techniques. If you are at war and are uncertain as to what to do. Well, my friend, you need to take a lesson in the Art of War.

It is not just a book of rules or a story book. It is rather a set of principles to guide one if he decides to go to war in any facet of life, be it personal, professional, academic, etc. Although I must agree that in a corporate setting, this book is nothing short of a gem.

"If someone is being humble and polite to your inquisitions, understand that they are completely prepared and ready to attack."

Simple philosophies stated serenely. However, given the age at which they were written, certain ideas are damn dead straight forward and hardly arouses any sense of rethinking for these concepts are generic.

After all, the Art of War is just a lesson perceived and adapted varyingly by each who ascertains to delve into its secrets.

Pretty insightful!

It's an interesting read, filled with ancient knowledge that still applies to the modern world of warfare, as you read the book you can draw lines between mentioned "arts of war" or mistakes that leaders make, causing the army to be weak, and current conflicts around the world, particularly in the Ukraine. As i read the book i could link and analyze the incompetent mistakes of the Ukrainian command, to the art of war, which is forecasting their path to defeat, It is a good read for anyone interested in the analyzing of conflicts, or having a basic understanding of warfare
It is however more or less pretty straight forward information that most who have an interest in warfare history would already know, or deem to be more or less common sense.

That being said, it is quite literally just a guide on how to wage war successfully, so for some readers, it might not be so interesting as it may feel as a mere checklist or guide, but for history buffs and people interested in the analysis of conflicts, it is a great read that makes you stop and think about many battles both in our current time and past history. I do give it 4 stars tho because i did feel at some points like i was just reading a guide and found myself disengaged at some, chapters but overall a great read to build historical and political awareness. It is a very short book, i will add, i just did take my time with it, but one could easily finish it in a day

I have read several translations of this book. This one also discusses various applications of the principles in history. It references other philosophies that employ similar principles. Recommend.

I don’t rightly know how to review a text from the 5th century BC. It contains the strategy and philosophy of warfare from Sun Tzu. It’s an interesting and quick read, and easy to see how the strategies presented were influential the world over

good

A succinct and clarifying translation of The Art of War, a work that has stood the test of time. As the author himself states, there are no 'pages of personal dribble or opinion' within; he does not ask one to snatch a pebble or call the reader 'grasshopper.' An enjoyable, easy to read book that is well worth the time spent for those in battle, for survival, or success.