The Art of War (Barnes & Noble Signature Editions)
-
- $2.99
-
- $2.99
Publisher Description
“The art of war is of vital importance to the State,” writes General Sun Tzu at the outset of one of the most important military treatises ever written. Furthermore, he writes, war can lead to safety or ruin and must not be engaged in lightly—it is a matter of life and death. What follows is a terse, sober analysis of the successful planning and conduct of war, which is as pertinent in the twenty-first century as it was in China 2,500 years ago.
Within these pages, Sun Tzu explores:
• The five fundamental facets of war and the seven elements that determine outcomes
• War economy and limiting the cost of conflict
• The importance of unity, discipline, alliances, and cities
• Strategic defense and the recognition of offensive opportunities
• Flexibility in responding to changing circumstances
• Fighting wars without having to do battle
• The five sources of intelligence and how to use them
As notable for its insights into motivating people and knowing one’s opponent as for its emphasis on preparedness, flexibility, and understanding the environment, The Art of War has become an important resource for modern business people, trial lawyers, and sports teams—as well as for military leaders.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The workplace is a battlefield, according to author, speaker and businesswoman Chu. In her latest, she distills The Art of War, Taoist philosopher-general Sun Tzu's international bestseller on the fundamental elements of warfare and business strategy, into a primer and call-to-arms for working women. In vivid battlefield terminology, Chu covers everything from promotions and work attire to dealing with sexual harassment and male chauvinist co-workers. Lessons tend toward a "universal nuggets of wisdom" format; one of the keys Chu advances is "Know Thyself," because "how well you know the world around you is directly proportional to how well you know yourself." Other chapters cover the disposition of winning, conflict strategy, the utility of imagination, techniques for management and "fireproofing yourself." At a time when the ideal of a full, fulfilling work and home life seems more difficult than ever to achieve, Chu's primer on becoming "an effective strategist and warrior" will give doubters cause for reconsideration.