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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
I guess know all about war tactics now? A very honorable and wise approach to combat.
Review at the Pluviophlie Reader: http://bit.ly/2aRB8qr
2/5 stars
ebook, 53 pages.
Read on June 09, 2016.
Continuing with the Asian theme, I finally got around to this classic and I'm having trouble comprehending what exactly was so inspiring about this book. I mean, it read exactly like a tactical war book which has no relevance to the everyday person. Sure, there are a few decent quotes that express some beauty and wisdom but I feel like maybe I'm missing the boat on this book. Having said that, there are some admirable portions.
For example, it is worth appreciating how old the book is as it's believe to have been written during the 6th century BC. This makes the book one of the first every written on military tactics which is pretty impressive.Sun Tzu was also an important Chinese general, war tactician and poet which, is apparent in his writing style.
I think that perhaps a lot of what is perceived as general warfare tactics has come from this book over the centuries, so in finally reading it, the information already feels familiar.
Additionally, outside of the blatant tactics there are a few decent quotes that are remarkably philosophical:
Overall I was expecting the book to be more poetic based on the praise that it's been given but it is a tactical book first so I took very little enjoyment out of reading it. Thankfully it's a very short read. It 's nice to be able to say I have now actually read it and that's about as far as my recommendations would go. Well, perhaps some that are more involved in war history would have a better appreciation for this ancient novel.
Review at the Pluviophlie Reader: http://bit.ly/2aRB8qr
2/5 stars
ebook, 53 pages.
Read on June 09, 2016.
Continuing with the Asian theme, I finally got around to this classic and I'm having trouble comprehending what exactly was so inspiring about this book. I mean, it read exactly like a tactical war book which has no relevance to the everyday person. Sure, there are a few decent quotes that express some beauty and wisdom but I feel like maybe I'm missing the boat on this book. Having said that, there are some admirable portions.
For example, it is worth appreciating how old the book is as it's believe to have been written during the 6th century BC. This makes the book one of the first every written on military tactics which is pretty impressive.Sun Tzu was also an important Chinese general, war tactician and poet which, is apparent in his writing style.
"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting."
I think that perhaps a lot of what is perceived as general warfare tactics has come from this book over the centuries, so in finally reading it, the information already feels familiar.
"Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be in peril. When you are ignorant of the enemy, but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal. If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain in every battle to be in peril."
Additionally, outside of the blatant tactics there are a few decent quotes that are remarkably philosophical:
“Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”
Overall I was expecting the book to be more poetic based on the praise that it's been given but it is a tactical book first so I took very little enjoyment out of reading it. Thankfully it's a very short read. It 's nice to be able to say I have now actually read it and that's about as far as my recommendations would go. Well, perhaps some that are more involved in war history would have a better appreciation for this ancient novel.
challenging
informative
fast-paced
challenging
informative
slow-paced
I thought I was going to learn amazing military strategies etc but most of this was common sense. I've not got a single clue how some people are in such awe over it.
challenging
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Good listen. Need to be in the right headspace though as it is very factual and to the point which makes it tiring to listen to unless in that mindset.
dark
informative
reflective
fast-paced
challenging
fast-paced
a) what did I just read lol
b) why was I thinking the whole time if Cassian uses these tips and tricks for his army
b) why was I thinking the whole time if Cassian uses these tips and tricks for his army
There were sections of the books I enjoyed and others that were I sat in utter confusion.
The Art of War was worth a read, though it was not as profound as I thought it would have been given its reputation. Some of the textual elements caused me to stop and think deeply, while others largely just focused on... well... the literal art of war. As someone who does not have a huge fascination with military history, these sections were big misses. This said, I did enjoy reading the secondary text where many other scholars added their thoughts to Master Sun's treatise.