4.39k reviews for:

The Art of War

Sun Tzu

3.59 AVERAGE


I gave it a 3 as I had no idea what was going on. I listened to it, rather than read. I think this is a book you need to read in little chunks and think about. will have to try it again when im more open to it.
informative fast-paced

Historical Council Classic
informative reflective fast-paced
challenging tense slow-paced
informative medium-paced

I found this a really interesting read as someone who ejoys reading and writing about fictional politics and war psychology. I understand arguments that the book was outdated because obviously he wrote this as a war general from 500 BC China who couldn't possibly expect his book to be read thousands of years later.

However, its obvious reading this that The Art of War is a foundational text that should definitely be at least partially read by anyone interested in political or military tactics.
inspiring reflective medium-paced
informative reflective slow-paced

This book, although it would be more helpful to war strategists who can take certain points literally, this book still has points that can be used today and are relevant in our ways of life.
informative slow-paced

This is a great business book if you need to know all the situations in which it is appropriate to behead your own employees or the employees of your competitors. If you're shy about engaging in beheading, you may want to look elsewhere.

I found The Art of War surprisingly mediocre, given its reputation. In its time, it was probably a great book, but I don't think it has held up well. I obviously don't fault Sun Tzu for that, but I've given it two stars based on my lack of enjoyment of it and its current lack of relevance.