The Art of War

Sun Tzu’s The Art of War towers above other books about strategy.  Written 2,500 years ago on strips of bamboo, it has stood the test of time, offering actionable insights to leaders of corporations as well as leaders of armies in China, Japan, Vietnam, and the United States.  It details a complete philosophy on how to decisively defeat one’s opponent and has given guidance to military theorists and generals throughout the ages. In The Art of War, military readers found a holistic approach to strategy that was powerful and deep; it is truly a masterpiece on strategy. As the former U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell said, "Sun Tzu has been studied for hundreds of years.  So, every American soldier knows of his works.”

Today, Sun Tzu’s appeal has extended beyond the military realm into the world of business. Because business by definition deals with competition, Sun Tzu’s principles are ideally suited to competitive business situations. Because business, like warfare, is a contest of wills, dynamic and fast-paced, based on both morale and machines, and deals with the effective and efficient use of scarce resources, many business people across the globe have found value in Sun Tzu’s teachings.