The Art of War (History and Warfare)

[MadMarketScientist 11]

Product Description from Amazon

 

Twenty-Five Hundred years ago, Sun Tzu wrote this classic book of military strategy based on Chinese warfare and military thought. Since that time, all levels of military have used the teaching on Sun Tzu to warfare and cilivzation have adapted these teachings for use in politics, business and everyday life. The Art of War is a book which should be used to gain advantage of opponents in the boardroom and battlefield alike.

[TheNegotiator 13]

Okay, this is not a trading book but an excellent book to get you started in strategical trading. Sun Tzu is a true master of strategy. There is something one can learn from every page in this book.

 

"The battle is won before it is fought."

 

How true can this be when applied to trading. Trading without a plan is a sure way to lose. Trading is not all about being on the offense either. Be defensive (remaining flat or trading small) is also another form of offense.

 

I have personally read this over 10 times and have found it a great help in my trading. I does not have to be applied to trading only either. The wisdom given by Sun Tzu can be applied in all areas of life. A must read!

[GlassOnion 12]

As advertised, the Art of War is about far more than war. It is about any sort of struggle or confrontation. Taken literally, I can see how the advice would have helped in ancient warfare; taken metaphorically, you can easily apply the techniques to business, politics, or any other place that contention or conflict exists.

 

A large part of the writings deal with leadership and the best qualities of a leader: “Leadership is a matter of intelligence, trustworthiness, humaness, courage, and sternness.” Sun Tzu highlights the importance of discipline in leadership, with established rewards and penalties that are consistently applied across the board. Good advice for a general as well as a corporate executive, head coach, or politician.Especially a politician.

 

One of my favorite parts of the Art of War is when Sun Tzu speaks of knowing yourself and knowing your enemy:

 

"So it is said that if you know others and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know others but know yourself, you win one and lose one; if you do not know others and do not know yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle".

 

I’ve found this piece of advice to be vital in a number of different situations. Many people make the mistake of going into competition without understanding their opponents, and worse, sometimes without even knowing themselves. Whenever you’re in a conflict, you must know your own strengths and weaknesses as well as those of your opponent. Sun Tzu’s advice rings true in a great many situations

 

The Kindle version, which I have, is free at Amazon.