The Art of War: The Definitive Interpretation of Sun Tzu's Classic Book of Strategy - Softcover

Kaufman, Stephen F.; Tzu, Sun

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0804830800 ISBN 13: 9780804830805

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing, 1996

Synopsis

Learn the strategy and philosophy of China's most celebrated military theorist with this highly readable and informative edition of The Art of War.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu is the best known and most highly regarded book on military strategy ever written. Although its wisdom is from ancient China, its principles and advice are timeless—as applicable in the boardroom as they are on the battlefield.

Unlike contemporary translations that have focused too heavily on applying this military classic to corporate conflicts, this definitive interpretation maintains the impact of the original. Written for martial artists by a martial artist, it is free of academic commentary and ambiguous metaphors, as Hanshi Kaufman uses straightforward prose to explain Sun Tzu's message. Like the original, this new interpretation is divided into thirteen sections, each presenting vital information on military strategy ranging from assessing opposing armies and the proper treatment of troops to the use of spies.

About this title

About the Author

Stephen F. Kaufman, Hanshi, 10th Dan, is the holder of the highest title and rank attainable in the martial arts. His martial system, Hebi-ryu ("School of the Snake"), is recognized as one of the most effective martial methods in the world. A career spanning close to 60 years began in Okinawa in the 1950's. He's acknowledged as the "founding father" of American karate and has received countless awards and honors, including an induction into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame as Author of the Year in 2011.

Kaufman has authored and interpreted many martial arts titles including Musashi's Book of Five Rings, The Way of the Modern Warrior, and The Shogun's Scroll, all available from Tuttle Publishing.

From the Back Cover

From the Inside Flap

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

"It is essential that your troops have peace of mind. This is done by properly filling their bellies and rewarding them when they have performed bravely. It implies that you know what they want with regards to the simple pleasures of life. If you do not give this to them they will seek it elsewhere. Peace of mind is also accomplished by not putting them into unnecessary danger.

A warlord of value and worth pays heed to the advice of his ruler, and only after careful consideration should he give orders to his generals.

When the ruler is not directly involved with the combat, he will not be aware of the actual conditions of the battle and should not issue orders that would make the generals think the warlord is being usurped. The generals will become confused and possibly rebellious. If the ruler does not understand the means by which warlords exercise responsibility, the officers will see a breakdown in the chain of command. Correct procedure and protocol must be maintained. It is the warlord's responsibility to ensure this.

It is absolutely essential that the warlord not permit the ruler to override his authority. This must be handled delicately because, although the warlord may control the well-being of the entire realm, the ruler owns it. Wisely, he permits the ruler to effect changes of circumstances but does not permit him to speak to the generals. He maintains control of the realm, the ruler, and the ruled.

The ruler must permit the warlord to administer the army and to maintain the overall protection of the empire. Rulers know that intelligent warlords can control and direct the generals, usually at will. If the warlord is usurped by the ruler, rebellion is at hand. To usurp his authority increases the chances for a coup and a wise ruler will see this. If he wishes to overthrow the authority of his warlord, it must be done with stealth and craft.

An astute warlord will recognize an overthrow attempt and stop it before it gets out of hand, at which time he must take control of the entire realm, deposing the ruler if necessary. Betrayal is unacceptable at any level of intent, and in the case of rulers, it will result in the overthrow of the government. The ruler will find himself without troops to defend his position. Judicious warlords know the methods of maintaining authority and predicting victory in battle. They know when to fight and when not to fight; they know when conditions are correct for the successful engagement of combat. Supplies are in place and the men are enthused. Alert warlords understand the correct deployment of large and small forces, and by this wisdom they see where a small force can overwhelm a large force and when a large force cannot conquer a small force.

Respected warlords maintain high morale among the troops. Without morale there will be dissension and the reason for fighting may not be strong enough to unify the warriors. Successful warlords are able to lie in wait for an enemy who is not prepared for battle beyond boasting of his ability. He does not attack just to prove he is in control of the situation. He understands the conditions for battle, which include the optimum use of resources. He sees the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy. He also sees the strengths and weaknesses of his own command.

The insightful warlord has trust and faith in his generals. He permits them to express their authority under the right conditions and sees to it that they are rewarded when successful and admonished when they fail because of poor planning. He knows the enemy and himself in order to avoid peril. Because of this knowledge, he will succeed in the field and the administration of the state. If he is unaware of the enemy's strengths but is aware of himself, his chances of victory are evenly matched. If he doesn't know himself and doesn't know the enemy, he is certain to entertain defeat. The ruler should never have picked this man to lead; he is not strong either. — Tzu, Sun. "Book Three: The Nature of Attacks.ö The Art of War. Tuttle Publishing, 2021, pg. 30-31

Edition details

• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0804830800
• ISBN 13: 9780804830805
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128