The Art of War - A Classic Among War Books

The Art of War is a must read for all. Written more than 2000 years ago, the principals and practical applications of this inspired piece of literature still hold true. The philosophies and strategies in this work apply not only to war, but also to life in general. The book has been used to train not only individuals in the military, but those people who are in the corporate world as well.

This remarkable book has been translated into hundreds of languages and is one of the bestselling war books on military tactics of all time. It has been read and studied by many modern generals throughout the world. In some countries, it is required reading for people who want to become officers.

The book itself is broken into thirteen chapters. Each section is dedicated to a certain area of war. The book covers everything from how to maximize your resources to building an effective chain of command. It also covers information about timing and building momentum and the use of spies. Furthermore, the book offers some insight into ways to avoid battles and how to plan an attack when a fight is unavoidable.

The author, Sun Tzu, who was also known as Sunzi, is considered to be one of the greatest military strategists of all time. Sun Tzu was not only a general, he was a philosopher. He is believed to have been born in about 722 BC in China. There are very few accurate documents from this time, so the date and place of his birth are questioned. It is generally accepted that he was born as the son of a minor noble in the state of Qi.

Sunzi entered into military service and rose through the ranks to the position of general. He quickly gained recognition for his leadership and tactical skills. There are numerous legends and myths about the man and his life. What is known is that under his leadership his army was able to conquer the neighboring region of Chu. He is said to have achieved victory after victory regardless of numbers or terrain. It is even said that he trained a group of concubines to become military personnel.

What truly makes this book remarkable is the fact that its principals are being applied not only by military commanders but also by many corporations throughout the world. In Japan, many top executives are required to read this book. Businesses in other parts of the world have also recognized that the philosophies taught by this book apply to office politics, leadership and competitive business strategies.

Any person who is interested in learning about leadership, management and strategy should take the time to read this manuscript. It is also invaluable to the person who wants to learn about negotiations be they in the office or personal. The Art of War has something to teach everyone.