Curious also why you think so?
2007-02-05 01:55:47 · 6 answers · asked by lundstroms2004 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
5 of the six are fair and solid answers. Is the favored status of Sun Tsu so far due to the simplicity of his writing, whereas Caluse requires more analysis?
2007-02-05 07:41:15 · update #1
Great question! I've dabbled in both.
Sun Tsu's principles are so abstract, they are more universally applicable. Almost like psychology.
Clausewitz is far more detailed and therefore discusses particular historical contexts, from what I remember.
Two very different approaches. Both very interesting!
2007-02-05 02:03:10 · answer #1 · answered by American citizen and taxpayer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Might I recommend a book called "Roots of Strategy". It's a 2 part series containing the works of Sun Tzu, Vegetius, De Saxe, Frederick the Great, Napoleon, Du Picq, Clausewitz and Jomini, a must have for anyone interested military strategy. It's hard to find. You might have to order it, it's put out by Stackpole Books of Harrisburg Pa. Sun Tzu is the easier read, more generalized,,,,Clausewitz gets into more detail,
2007-02-05 10:41:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Alot of it depends on the translation.
Sun Tzu is very alligorical and it can be difficult to figure out what he is getting at. Also, there is a significant cultural and time differnce between 6th Century Confucisian China and 2007 North America. Translator and historical notes are pretty key to understanding.
Clausewitz is a lot easier to understand. Being written in the 1800's and in Europe, it is more in line with you already know and accept. It is much more foundational to the way that war has been practised by Western Countries.
Heck, don't pick one. READ BOTH! They are short.
2007-02-05 10:37:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sun Tsu - because it is quoted more often - Clausewitz on the other hand I know the gist of his ideas but haven't ever come across a copy of his work. I suppose it's like Napoleon's maxims they're just more snappy and readable.
2007-02-05 10:04:36 · answer #4 · answered by LongJohns 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I prefer Sun Tsu, having read both.
I concider him more complete in his views.
Try H. Lindel Hart also, on Strategy.
2007-02-05 10:44:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is a fair bet George Bush read neither.
War is a game of chess.....GWB was checkmated in IRAQ in few moves.
Sun TSU......should be read by all government idiots in the USA
2007-02-05 10:06:21 · answer #6 · answered by liverlips 1 · 0⤊ 4⤋