A critical examination of Sun Tzu's seminal military strategy guide and its applications in the 21st century.
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The primary translation used is the 2012 edition by James Trapp published by Chartwell Books, Inc (pictured above). It is based off a widely-accepted Chinese text transcribed during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE). Trapp's translation includes the original Chinese text on the left-hand page and the English translation on the opposite page. Mouse over links to reveal more details.
a. Spring and Autumn Period
b. Wu vs. Chu
c. China before Sun Tzu
d. China after Sun Tzu
a. Military Relevance
b. U.S. vs. Al Queda
c. U.S. vs. Islamic State
d. Cyber Warfare
a. Business Application
b. Empowering Women in Business
c. In the Workplace
a. Done Well
b.Done Poorly
a. Women's Hockey
b. Tennis
c. Baseball
a. In Chess
b. Video Gaming
Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is regarded by scholars, philosophers, and others as the ultimate work concerning military strategy; an incredible consensus when one considers that the source material is roughly 2,500 years old and that the means to wage war have changed drastically since the book's creation. It is even more incredible when one recognizes that multiple translations of the original text exist in several languages, sometimes containing notably different interpretations. This is due to the structure of the classical Chinese language where characters represent concepts (e.g. fire, victory) rather than parts of speech (e.g. nouns, verbs).
This edition explores how and why Sun Tzu’s words continue to shape the world and the individuals who inhabit it in the 21st century. While still relevant as a guide for preparing armies and educating generals, it has also been adopted as a guide to gain advantage in business, politics, recreation, and life.
After a brief stop in ancient China during the Spring and Autumn period (722-464 BCE), this edition will demonstrate that The Art of War’s influence is perhaps as strong today as it ever was, and, using key excerpts from the text, explain why Sun Tzu endures to the point of conquering even time itself. “If you know yourself and know your enemy, you will gain victory a hundred times out of a hundred.” Who wouldn’t take those odds?
This annotation is taken from the final portion of Chapter 12, Attacking with Fire (p 89). Once again, hover over the bold & underlined text to see annotations.
It is disastrous not to consolidate your achievements if you are victorious in battle and successful in your attacks - this is called waste and delay[1]. Hence it is truly said that a wise ruler thinks ahead, and a good general builds on his victories. Do not move unless you see a clear advantage[2]. Do not use your soldiers unless there is something to be gained. Do not fight if you are not in danger. A ruler should not call his general to arms simply out of anger[3]; a general should not attack because he has been insulted. Only advance if it is to your clear advantage, otherwise stay put[4]. Anger may change to contentment and insult to pleasure, but a kingdom once destroyed cannot be recovered[5], and the dead cannot be brought back to life. Thus a wise ruler is cautious, and a good general alert. This is the way to keep a country at peace[6] and its armies intact.
