Book Review: The Art Of War

Book Review: The Art Of War by Sun Tzu

I have longed to read this book for several years and when I got an app for my iPod Touch called "Classics" I suddenly had it in electronic form (for free). It was really quite a fascinating read. Short and sweet it is the guide to war but more then that is a general treatise on how to beat your opponents. This ancient guide to strategy is timeless and would be a worthy read for anyone in a competitive environment: sports, business, sales, love, etc. A few quotes I liked:

"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle."
- Sun Tzu

"All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him."
- Sun Tzu

"If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected."
- Sun Tzu

"Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys.
Look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death!"
- Sun Tzu

"To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting."
-Sun Tzu

"Do not interfere with an army that is returning home. When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard."
- Sun Tzu

This book is old (6th Century BC) and has lots to teach. I'd rate it 4 out of 5 stars.