The Art of War
by Sun Tzu, translated by Thomas Cleary
The fifth-century BC manual on strategy: win without fighting, know yourself and the enemy, deception, terrain, the use of spies, speed, and the cost of prolonged conflict. It has been applied, sometimes absurdly, to business and sport. Read plainly it is a short, hard-headed treatise on preparation, information and economy of force. Cleary's translation is readable with useful commentary.
Read it if…
you want a classic on strategy that rewards rereading and application.
Skip it if…
you expect business tactics; the mapping is yours to make.
Three things you will actually use
- The supreme excellence is winning without fighting.
- Know yourself and your opponent.
- Prolonged campaigns exhaust; be decisive.
Do this first
Before your next negotiation or competition, write honestly what you know about yourself and your counterpart; the gaps are your first task.
Our verdict
Short, hard and classic.
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