The Complete Strategy Collection: The Art of War, The Prince, The Book of Five Rings, On War and Arthashastra

The Complete Strategy Collection, a compilation of ancient and historical philosophies, will increase your knowledge of strategy, conflict, and adversity throughout the ages, giving you valuable insight into the past while opening a window to the future. Although each of the works can be considered a manual or diagram for war or engaging in physical combat, the life skills embodied in each can be adapted to everyday life in modern society.

Story 1 - The Art of War
Whether used on the battlefield or the boardroom, the strategic techniques defined by Sun Tzu in this ancient, classic book will teach you how to gain advantages over your opponents and adversaries. As a military strategist, Sun Tzu carefully explains how to engage in conflict, strategies that ensure you emerge as the victor, and how to maintain a position of power. These tactics can be used even in a person’s everyday life today to navigate family, relationships, career, and business.

Story 2 - The Prince
Considered to be satire by some and a manual for ruling by others, The Prince provides practical, relatable advice addressing power struggles, building and maintaining relationships, and the advantages of acting according to virtue. Machiavelli, born during a time of intense political and religious conflict in Italy, outlines the strategies and influences appropriate of the times. In his attempts at self-promotion, the author aggressively pursues the approval and favor of then-governor Lorenzo de’ Medici, to be later criticized for his work. The Prince embodies the discipline, decision-making, and authority of the ruling class common during this period.

Story 3 - The Book of Five Rings
Originally written as a book of martial arts and strategy, the principles as defined by author Miyamoto Musashi have been adapted to be used in business, to manage conflict, and as a philosophy for life. Although written as strategies applicable to the adversity of the 17th Century, the philosophies overwhelmingly apply in a practical way to the world today, including timing, dishonesty, discipline, flexibility, spirituality, and mastering the balance of each.

Story 4 - On War
Purpose, goal, and means are the foundation of politics, war, and conflict as defined by the author. Although Carl von Clausewitz never had the opportunity to finish the manuscript, the collected works of On War represent his theoretical ideologies about war, military strategy, and leadership and his philosophy that innate human morals play a significant role in the outcome of adversity. Clausewitz theorizes that motivations, objectives, and emotions influence the delicate balance of power and politics.

Story 5 - Arthashastra
A wealth of knowledge and information, Arthashastra, is credited as the foundation of government, economics, and law. Compiled of various manuscripts and treatises throughout thousands of years, this ancient script defines philosophies for a broad range of modern traditions, policies, and strategies, including the economy, social welfare, the court system, theories on war and peace, civic duty, and obligations of a king.

The wisdom contained in each of these individual works is now dedicated to the world Public Domain.