The Art of War Book

The Art of War is more than just a ancient Chinese war manual: It is a store of wisdom that answers the perennial question, How are we to act effectively within a never-ending flow of change? The living quality of Sun Tzu's strategic masterpiece has never been clearer than in this simple, bold new translation. The result is text that provides us with an understanding of how to achieve victory over war—how we can win without fighting—in practical terms that anyone can apply to conflicts in our everyday lives. This new edition includes engaging essays and commentary to deepen the reader's understanding of how to apply Sun Tzu's insights in modern day life. In The Art of War, Sun Tzu teaches us how to overcome our adversaries without destroying them. The essence of this approach lies in the concept of "taking whole"—bringing the opponent into one's own sphere. How can readers apply this wisdom? If they assume the perspective of the Sage Commander, noting the conditions of every conflict, then skillful action becomes apparent in any given situation. Original essays and commentary clearly articulate this perspective. Awareness of the present moment, the translators show, holds the key to implementing Sun Tzu's principles in our daily lives. "Develop an intimate understanding of the text as a living practice," they advise. "Then, like its earlier lineage holders, we can move outward into our world and act."