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36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good stuff, July 15, 2002
Before buying this book, I reccommend you go to search engine like Google.com and type in "Art of War Sun Tzu." You will find the body of the famous doctrine easiliy. Read it over, and if you are still interested, then buy the book to have as a reference (in order to really learn this stuff you will have to read it repeatedly) and to learn about the historical background. It is very interesting if you are into this stuff, but if you are just looking for a good summary and general idea, go to the web.
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22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Art of War - A Must Read for Military Science Students, July 7, 2002
Sun Tzu's Art of War, written approximately twenty centuries ago, is the first recorded study of military strategy. In my opinion, the Art of War is the most famous and influential book ever written on the subject of military strategy. Its age and the fact that it is still in print and still used lends it significant credibility in the area of warfare. Sun Tzu in my opinion was a great military strategist. Quite possibly he was the best the world has ever known. It is important to note that some historians believe that Sun Tzu never actually existed, or perhaps Sun Tzu was an alias. Some historians believe that Sun Tzu may not have played a significant role as a military strategist; it is possible that he was overshadowed by more important figures.
I read the edition that was translated by Ralph D. Sawyer, and I thought his work was excellent. The book flows very well and for the most part easy to read. Sawyer wisely informs the reader that each chapter should be evaluated on its own and to keep in mind how the chapters relate to one another.
Those who read it may find useful information that they can relate to in their own lives, however, one must be cognizant that not all concepts would be practical. Perhaps, the results of applying certain concepts specified in this book in everyday situations could be detrimental or even disastrous, for example in a work environment. After reading his book I learned that Sun Tzu's strategies are not only useful to military strategists they can also be used by entrepreneurs, in competitive sports, or any adversarial type situation. In fact, some Japanese businessmen are required to read this book due to its wealth of information and advice on competitive situations.
Since I am planning to enlist in the United States ARMY as a second lieutenant upon my graduation from college, I felt that reading the Art of War would be very beneficial background information for my career choice. This book is excellent reading for someone-such as myself-who has limited knowledge about military strategy, specifically, the theories and concepts of Sun Tzu. I read Sawyer's version for his substantial introduction and insightful historical background information as a means to gain knowledge on the ways of ancient Chinese culture, writing, time periods or dynasties, politics, economic life, and warfare. I especially enjoyed the passages on ancient warfare and its weaponry-- such as the chariot, horse and cavalry, armor and shields, and the sword; it shows how far we have advanced in warfare over the centuries.
Furthermore, Sawyer analyzes battles in which Sun Tzu was thought to serve as commander, and he also provides maps of the three warring states to allow the reader visual examples. I did like the descriptions of the battles among the warring states as Sawyer reconstructed them; they were very detailed including initial troop deployment followed by second, third, and final phases of the battle.
In order to better understand the ramifications of Sun Tzu's time, Sawyer provides history on the three warring states-Ch'u, Wu, and Yueh. Although, I found these particular passages quite interesting I have never enjoyed learning about history, and this book is no exception. In all honesty, I did become rather bored while reading the author's in depth account of certain aspects of Chinese history. It is my opinion that the book detailed specific events that did not contribute to the book as a whole. Additionally, some of Sun Tzu's theories and concepts were ambiguous which could result in the reader misinterpreting as well as misapplying the concepts. Moreover, Sawyer only provides an analysis on a few of Sun Tzu's concepts on warfare; therefore, it is left to the reader to interpret each concept. Sawyer even suggests that the reader obtain other books and publications to fully understand the meaning of each thought, theory, or concept provided by Sun Tzu.
Before I read this book, I would have considered Sun Tzu a barbarian with an ineffective approach to warfare; however, upon completion I realized that he had repeatedly stressed the importance of human preservation, self-control, and avoidance of all military engagements if at all possible. Conversely, Sun Tzu utilized tactics and strategies that required death and destruction when necessary.
I recommend this book to anyone having any interest in ancient Chinese warfare; it is worthwhile reading. The Art of War is by far the most informative military strategy book I have read to date in that the author discusses all facets of warfare for purposes of defeating the enemy. Having said this, I believe the Art of War is not a "once read." In order to understand all of Sun Tzu's concepts and theories on warfare the book must be read several times.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Art of War on tape by Ralph D Sawyer, June 23, 2003
This book on tape pays for itself in creative thinking and inspiration. It gives you a fresh look at the your business information. Each time I listen I pickup something new, or create a new view of the same old information. I have already used some of the ideas in my presentations and blew the audience away.
If there was ever a book that needs to be read by a salesman, this is it!
Thank you Ralph D. Sawyer
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by Dale Carnegie
