Date read: 28/10/19
Written in roughly 500 BC, this is without a doubt the oldest book I’ve ever read, and likely the oldest book most people have read - if they’ve read it. I picked this up because its a short book told primarily through bullet points, and it’s a keystone in ancient classic philosophy and strategy.
I wouldn’t class war as an art form but after reading this, I’m now of the opinion that strategy is the art form, not war. I appreciate what this book is and how it has quite possibly changed the course of history. The power of books is remarkable. Never underestimate them.
Although the war aspect of this book isn’t applicable to the every day modern world, there are ways to read between the lines and find subtle things that are applicable. Rather than looking at this as a War 101 book, let’s consider it more as a How to Win book.
Often the book speaks about how the best way to win a war is not to fight at all, but instead use stratagem and intelligence over violence wherever possible.
“Supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.”
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”
In other words defuse a volatile situation without doing harm.
It also speaks a lot about deception and the way one may outwardly appear to others.
“Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”
I think this, in particular, is relevant. Deception in appearance is something we’ve all done in our lives, even something as simple as saying you’re okay when you’re not.
Another idea touched upon that I particularly liked was, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
So even when things are at their bleakest, there is always a way to turn a bad situation to your advantage and make the best of it. You just need to find that opportunity.
This book is very quotable and packed full of little gems that can be applied to modern life. I found it very interesting finding relevant meaning in a book this old.
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