69 pages • 2 hours read
The Art of War
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Book Brief
200
Book • Nonfiction
Eastern Zhou • 5th Century BC
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
The Art of War by Sun Tzu, a military treatise from fifth century BCE China, outlines strategies for achieving victory through careful planning and deception. It covers the importance of understanding factors such as leadership, terrain, and enemy disposition, advocating for indirect attacks, and the use of spies. Its principles are applicable beyond warfare, influencing fields like business and politics.
Informative
Contemplative
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
510,951 ratings
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Review Roundup
Sun Tzu's The Art of War is widely praised for its timeless strategies and insights on conflict, leadership, and strategy, applicable beyond warfare to business and personal development. Some readers find its ancient, terse style challenging, and its context-specific advice less relevant to modern non-military scenarios. Overall, it remains a must-read for strategic thinking.
Who Should Read The Art of War?
Readers who appreciate strategic thinking, military history, and philosophical reflections on conflict will enjoy The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Similar to those who are captivated by Machiavelli’s The Prince or Clausewitz’s On War, they will find valuable insights applicable beyond warfare, in areas such as business and leadership.
510,951 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The General
The General
The military leader responsible for strategic and tactical decision-making, discipline, and training in preparation for battle, with an emphasis on adaptability and the readiness of the army.
The King
The King
The ruler who sets the overall purpose of military endeavors while allowing generals significant autonomy on the battlefield, aiming to inspire complete loyalty and unity among the people.
Soldiers
Soldiers
The variously skilled ranks of the army that must be effectively organized, disciplined, and inspired to act with courage and equanimity, tailored for specific roles according to their abilities.
Spies
Spies
A critical component for gathering intelligence, consisting of five types, each serving different functions such as providing local knowledge or being used deceptively to feed the opponent false information.
200
Book • Nonfiction
Eastern Zhou • 5th Century BC
Adult
16+ years
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