wshier's review against another edition
2.0
First, I reiterate my advice: do not read books from the "classical" and/or "ancient" periods on the kindle. It just doesn't work. My edition had plenty of commentary (maybe too much) but it was interspersed with the (minimal) text itself...almost to the point of making it difficult to find. If you are going to read it, read it in print.
As for the book itself, I think it is a little over-rated. People who pretend that it applies to everything probably think that their horoscope perfectly predicted the events of their day too.
As for the book itself, I think it is a little over-rated. People who pretend that it applies to everything probably think that their horoscope perfectly predicted the events of their day too.
fluffymao's review against another edition
informative
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
It's for writing research. That being said, it's very informative.
jcovey's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fantastic edition. I'd read the Art of War once before, I don't know what translation it was but it was inferior to this one by Yuan Shibing. The meaning and open ended nature of Sun Tzu's advice comes across much clearer here. This is further enhanced by the commentary by Tao Hanzhang which provides a bevy of fascinating historical examples of the principles laid out by Sun Tzu. Though, his attempts to make connections between Sun Tzu's beliefs and Maoism wear a bit thin.
Finally the Book of Lord Shang is a fascinating look into the rationale of evil. While the insistence on meritocracy is worth praising, just about everything else laid forth in this book is abhorrent. These policies led directly to the great book burning of 213BC. A loss of history, culture, and thought on par with the loss of Alexandria or the Mongol sacking of Baghdad. Frightening to think that for a short while China was dominated by a philosophy which holds as central tenants that "virtue has it's origin in punishment" and "kindness has it's origin in force".
Finally the Book of Lord Shang is a fascinating look into the rationale of evil. While the insistence on meritocracy is worth praising, just about everything else laid forth in this book is abhorrent. These policies led directly to the great book burning of 213BC. A loss of history, culture, and thought on par with the loss of Alexandria or the Mongol sacking of Baghdad. Frightening to think that for a short while China was dominated by a philosophy which holds as central tenants that "virtue has it's origin in punishment" and "kindness has it's origin in force".
mamamia's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I appreciate the applicability of Tzu's wisdom to so many other aspects of life and immediately made these connections myself. I've seen people apply this work to soccer coaching, moving up the corporate ladder, and even creators using it to differentiate themselves from their peers. I found myself thinking about this work in relation to the development of others: how do we raise children and deal in conflict with them? Also, how do we encourage others in learning?
I think there are a few ways this approach to reading the book is problematic. Namely, Tzu focuses on the principle of knowledge acquisition as a part of the vital preparation stage in any interaction, but fails to address the best way to approach an inevitable interaction with less perfect information. For this reason and a few like it, I think we should be cautious when applying The Art of War to our own lives where we often operate in less than perfect forms of knowledge.
I was promised much more in this book than I believe I received.
I appreciate the applicability of Tzu's wisdom to so many other aspects of life and immediately made these connections myself. I've seen people apply this work to soccer coaching, moving up the corporate ladder, and even creators using it to differentiate themselves from their peers. I found myself thinking about this work in relation to the development of others: how do we raise children and deal in conflict with them? Also, how do we encourage others in learning?
I think there are a few ways this approach to reading the book is problematic. Namely, Tzu focuses on the principle of knowledge acquisition as a part of the vital preparation stage in any interaction, but fails to address the best way to approach an inevitable interaction with less perfect information. For this reason and a few like it, I think we should be cautious when applying The Art of War to our own lives where we often operate in less than perfect forms of knowledge.
I was promised much more in this book than I believe I received.
abdurrahman's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
3.5
I only read this to understand all the reddit jokes.
On a serious note, it is quite fascinating that a book so old can be relevant to this day.
And not only for military purposes but for anyone in a competition or leading a team.
On a serious note, it is quite fascinating that a book so old can be relevant to this day.
And not only for military purposes but for anyone in a competition or leading a team.