18 December 2007

Panassastra University of Cambodia

THE ART OF WAR

By Sun Tzu translated by Thomas Cleary

A Book Review by Derfus

Sun -tzu ping-fa (Sun Tzu: The Art of War is one of those rare classic books that transcends time. It was written more than 2000 years ago and it is arguably still the most important work on the subject of strategy today.

The book is even more fascinating than its background. only reading it will one see the principles are timeless and true, the worries pragmatic and universallyapplicable to any situation that requires absolute victory. Equally important, a person can learn to avoid disasters.

Personal Reflection:

If you are looking for a few words of wisdom that will change your very outlook on the world, then Sun Tzu's the Art of War is the solution. In this tome of knowledge, Sun Tzu, the leader of the Imperialist faction, explains the finer points of combat. Master Sun does not map out specific plans of attack but conveys the philosophy behind the creation of such plans. These quotation, designed for use in confrontations, can be adapted to everyday life.

" Therefore those who win every battle are not really skillful- those who render other's armies helpless without fighting are the best of all."

What Sun Tzu meant by this is that those who choose to fight the strongest opponent and win are considered heroes, but those who prevent such opponents from acquiring power are the true heroes. In Chinese way, "if you raise an army and penetrate deeply into your opponent's territory, keeping on the move, blocking the space between the inner stronghold and the outer city walls, cutting off communications between inside and outside, then if the opponent surrenders completely, that is best. if you attack destructively and take a nation by force, that is a lesser accomplishment."

This book is a must read!

Bottom line message

Knowledge is power. Wisdom is fame. But surviving the jungle of life doesn't only need knowledge or wisdom, we need in Filipino "Deskarte" and courage to survive life.

Tags: Strategic Management Review

Bookmark: