I'm reading Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War' and I'm pretty mixed up already. Can sum1 help me?

Question

Can someone summarize, explain, give gists, or at least cite themes? I can't understand his work.

Answer 1

Hello,
I was wondering which version you are reading from, because it could be the lousy translation that confused you. If I may, I would like to recommend a book that can help you to understand it better. The book is called "Sun Zi Art of War: An Illustrated Translation with Asian Perspective and Insights" By Prof Wee Chow Hou.

The translation is in English and the book provides explanations as well. Best translation I have seen in a book. Basically the gist of each chapter is summarize in its chapters.

1. Detailed Assessment and Planning,始计
2. Waging War,作战
3. Strategic Attacks,谋攻
4. Disposition of the Army,军形
5. Forces,兵势
6. Weaknesses and Strengths,虚实
7. Military Manoeuvere,军争
8. Variation and Adaptability,九变
9. Movement and Deployment of Troops,行军
10. Terrain,地形
11. The Nine Battlegrounds,九地
12. Attacking with Fire,火攻
13. Intelligence and Espionage,用间

The whole book is very focused on military and war management. For example, what to do when in certain terrains. What to do when the enemy is doing this and many many more. There is very few talks on political governance unless it is related to supporting military campaigns.

It is a good book to read, provided you find a reliable translated version and base on my 5 years study on this book, the one I cited above is the closest relative to other translators. The other translators are not sufficiently immersed in the Chinese Language and Culture to fully capture the essence of the book and I find some of their translation ridiculous as well.

If you want to see an English Online Version with applications to business you can refer to the source(s). It is a website I am working on to help people better understand Sun Zi Art of War and other Ancient Chinese Works.

Hope you find it helpful.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I feel that this work has been overated eversince i read it. Unlike 'The Prince' 'The Art of War" doesnt relate to non military situations. There are some cool passages but Machiavellian strategy can be employed much more often in the 21st century. Good thing they are both very short books.

Answer 4

No need to be mixed up, there's rhyme to Master Sun's reason.
'The Art of War', as it is known in the West is the first known study of the planning and conduct of military operations.
FIRST YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND THIS: You can appraise war (conflict, opposition) in the terms of the five fundamental factors: the moral influence; the weather; terrain; command; and doctrine.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Moral influence means the causes which the people unite under their leaders. The weather means the interaction of the natural forces (winter's cold, summer's heat). Terrain means distances, and ground that is easy or difficult to traverse. Command means the leader's qualities of wisdom, humanity, sincerity, courage, and strictness. Doctrine means organization, control, assignment of appropriate personnel, regulation of supplies, and provisions for the army.
"There is no general who has not heard of these five matters. Those who master then win: those who do not are defeated."
ONCE THESE FIVE FUNDAMENTAL FACTORS ARE UNDERSTOOD, YOU CAN GO FURTHER.

Answer 5

the art of war is pure military strategy that people like to believe can be used in everyday life.
"don't move you troops across the field if you can get your enemy to come to you" tell me what does this apply to in real life? do go after things let them come to you? cool i can sit and watch tv all day.
and most of what he says in there is common sense, take the high ground, don't fight up hill.

Answer 6

I dont even know that u talking about---are u sure that is a book that u reading?