Sun Tzu: The Art of War
"The art of business is like the art of war; in each case, the object is to be bigger, faster, and stronger than your opponent. Sun Tzu's The Art of War will give anyone the ability to become the Napoleon Bonaparte of the business world" stated a book reviewer for the L.A. Times. That statement carries an innate and important connotation that; The Art of War is not only important to the business world, but serves as a guideline on how to conduct and become successful in the business world.
As it was purported in the movie Wall Street, "The Art of War serves as a guideline for corporate take over." While the statement appeared in a movie, it actually holds true in 'real' world scenario. Vast numbers of businessmen have sworn their success to the ideals and teachings of Sun Tzu; Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Gary Gagliardi, and the board of directors at Hewitt-Packard among them. Throughout the centuries, The Art of War has carried an almost cult following. It was introduced to the Americas from translated French manuscripts in the late 19th century. The Art of War was written approximately 2,500 years ago (500 B.C.), since then, the essays of Sun Tzu have lead to the success of many military notables - Napoleon among them - but in the current time, the avid reader is far from that of a military-man, most stand in the arena of business, each trying to get ahead of the next.
The Art of War is just about the earliest form of known treatises on the subject of war, "but it has never been surpassed in comprehensiveness and depth of understanding." While its all-and-good that this is a great insight into war, what does it have to do with life, or even business for that matter? Here in lies the importance: It is in the interpretation, adaptation, and application of The Art of War which makes it such a valuable read. Whether it's a corporate take over, or a simple skirmish in life, the principles/ideals of battle and examination of the situations are some of the most valuable tools available.
The Art of War has been so influential it has sparked a number of spin of titles relating to success in all areas of business. Titles such as the Amazing secrets of Sun Tzu's The Art of War, The Art of Sales, The Art of Marketing, and The Art of Management. These books are here to help with how to position against the competition, win battles in the marketplace, and most importantly to teach the reader how and when to recognize situations in which to use Sun Tzu's lessons. These adaptations have been made to further clarify the teachings, and winning methods contained within Sun Tzu's The Art of War. One should first study the normal and basic teachings however in order to reach those more in-depth points.
The Samuel B. Griffith translation of The Art of War contains more content than just simply a direct translation like other volumes have. Griffith being both a businessman and historian provides the reader with historical knowledge as well as the teachings of Sun Tzu. The first quarter of this book is filled with six essays titled the 'Introduction.' These essays cover topics from the author, the text, and the historical backgrounds and periods in which this book was writing, the journey of how this book spread through out the world, and vital views of Sun Tzu's opinions on different matters such as war.
After its 'Introduction' Griffith continues on to the meat, or main part of the book, the translation. He begins this with a short 6 page biography of Sun Tzu and uses an additional 81 pages to complete the translation. The additional appendix afterward is filled with 30 or so more pages of extra goodies. The first of which, the story of Wu Ch'I, a successful general, and avid student of The Art of War. The story displays he and his conquest in the use and adaptation of the principle ideas of this great book. The other three appendices give Sun Tzu's influence on military though, and in influence in the Western Languages, along with short biographies of the commentators throughout the book.
These principles on war serve as a guideline for any all conduct in business - and in life for that matter - Sun Tzu's The Art of War consists of 13 chapters, and each ends up providing additional and important insights to help ones own success.
The chapters are properly named; Planning, Going to War, Planning An Attack, Positioning, Momentum, Weakness and Strength, Armed Conflict, Adaptability, Armed March, Field Position, Types of Terrain, Attacking With Fire, and Using Spies. Each of these chapters can be applied and associated with current-day points on how one should examine and defeat ones opponents in and on any territory.
The most important of the chapters is obviously the first - though each of them must be considered before proceeding into battle. The first paragraph states that:
"This is war. It is the most important skill in the nation. It is the basis of life and death. It is the philosophy of survival and destruction. You must know it well."There is a simple statement about life in general, "one must know how to conduct war, for it's the most important skill you can acquire." In a society like today's America, this certainly holds true. Our society is based up on capitalism (the pursuit for money) and competition. From the time we are kids, we're all brought up to become competitors, to beat the rest of them, to achieve success, and from the standpoint of many Americans; they don't know where to start. This book is hear to help, however estranged it may seem from today's modern society, The Art of War certainly serves as a basic stratagem upon which to achieve ones own goals of success.
The planning of war, or in the case of business - winning a competition - is based upon five simple factors; the military philosophy, the weather, the ground, the commander, and the methods used. These factors are just as important in today's business world. In conducting a battle, one must consider the beliefs of opposing parties, the conditions and terrain on which the battle is to be fought, the practicality and purpose of the war, along with the attributes of each leader and the methods of war that are available.
The Art of War continues on this path of philosophical enlightenment, it ends up covering just about every aspect of competition, and how to ensure a victory. The main theme running through the book is winning a war, without actually fighting. Tzu states that "War is costly, and long drawn out wars will only lead to a loss of purpose, and loss of money." Sun Tzu addresses both actions and the consequences of those made in war. Following the teachings of Sun Tzu, one can help to build not only a stable company, but a steady means of bringing in customers, and sure method of how to beat competition. These teachings help not only with the abstract theories of battle, but the practical use of knowledge, advantage, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats and it helps to form an overall stable base for any company..
When properly applied, Sun Tzu's The Art of War will enable any and everyone to become successful in their chosen endeavors. This book and its teachings has often been stated for the success of numerous businessmen, large numbers of them reigning from Fortune 500 companies. This is a means of success, winning battles, and making the best out of any situation. When conducting business, one should always consider the statements within The Art of War: If one chooses not to head the words of Sun Tzu, then they must recall that "the art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is a matter of life and death, a road to either safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected..."