I think to answer your question, it is best to show you an application first.
For example, Sun Zi said, "The ability to prevent defeat lies on oneself while the opportunities of victory depend on the enemy. Thus those who are adept at warfare can ensure that they will not be defeated by the enemy, but will not be able to ensure victory over the enemy." Which means in our own life, we are responsible to prevent 'defeats'.
Now Sun Zi Art of War is like a tool of life. Whether effective or not, it still depends on the person who is using the tool. And it is true that when you are reading it and relating to applications in life and business, you would say,"Hey, isn't that obvious?" But don't you think that is the same for all self-help books? Most of these self-help books are talking about the obvious, but they still sell in millions. Know what I mean?
To me, Sun Zi Art of War is a great tool to have and learn to use, I found it to be inspiring as well. And thank goodness, I have strong background in Chinese which allow me to appreciate Art of War better.
I love it so much, I actually started a site on its applications in business. If you are interested in reading about the book or its business application, please refer to the Source(s)
Have fun reading and exploring Sun Zi Art of War
2007-01-19 10:50:43
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answer #1
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answered by efmkoo 2
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It deals with conflict, competition, natural law and discipline. For a lot of people it can be an eye opener. Especially when it talks about discipline and responsibility (natural law).
It is a basic philosophy revolving around self reliance and how to manage your perception of the world/problems/relationships to achieve success. It's still always usefull because people often can't look past their own problems/ego to see the real problem. It helps you understand the bigger picture so you can manage the small picture. Macro and micro management.
Everyone should read it once in their lifetime.
2007-01-19 10:56:57
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answer #2
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answered by DeanPonders 3
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Sun Tzu's Art of War is considered one of the basic and best texts on how to win, period.
"The Art of War (Traditional Chinese: å«åå
µæ³; Simplified Chinese: ååå
µæ³; pinyin: SÅ«nzÄ BÄ«ngfÇ; literally "Sun Tzu's Military Strategy") is a Chinese military treatise written during the 6th century BC by Sun Tzu. Composed of 13 chapters, each of which is devoted to one aspect of warfare, it has long been praised as the definitive work on military strategies and tactics of its time.
The Art of War is one of the oldest and most famous studies of strategy and has had a huge influence on Eastern military planning , business tactics, and beyond. First translated into a European language in 1782 by French Jesuit Jean Joseph Marie Amiot, it had been credited with influencing Napoleon[citation needed], the German General Staff[citation needed], and even the planning of Operation Desert Storm[citation needed]. Leaders as diverse as Mao Zedong, Vo Nguyen Giap, and General Douglas MacArthur have claimed to have drawn inspiration from the work.
The Art of War has also been applied, with much success, to business and managerial strategies.[citation needed]"
-dh
2007-01-18 14:04:59
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answer #3
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answered by delicateharmony 5
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Apparently it does, for many have used it and achieved much, but i dont think anyone actually followed all of his guidelines, if one is to make a great empire that shall never fall, the Art of War is needed
2007-01-18 16:30:28
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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It works well enough that it is still required learning in most military academies.
2007-01-18 14:26:51
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answer #5
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answered by kveldulf_gondlir 6
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If you're a sheep.
It's really not that special. Quite logical. If you read it, you're thoughts will be something along the lines of:
"Uh, I know that. That's just obvious!"
2007-01-18 14:02:11
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answer #6
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answered by Yosh 3
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Read it and you tell me.
2007-01-18 14:02:26
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answer #7
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answered by danzahn 5
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yes, and gargoyl said it best.
2007-01-18 14:10:29
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answer #8
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answered by amiaigner 3
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