30 review for The Art of War and Tao Te Ching: Ancient Chinese Wisdom Classics

1. 

   5 out of 5

   Mark Gowan – Jan 16, 2014

   The Art of War is a classic text on the "art" of battle written around 150 BC to 100 AD. What keeps this book in the realm of 'classics' is the fact that it can be applied (and is) to modern warfare whether that is on the field, in the workplace, or at home; it is primarily a book that can be applied to the art of politics. A similar book, though a bit more forceful in its approach is Machiavelli's "The Prince". I think that the Art of War is a more applicable in a pragmatic, but yet still hones The Art of War is a classic text on the "art" of battle written around 150 BC to 100 AD. What keeps this book in the realm of 'classics' is the fact that it can be applied (and is) to modern warfare whether that is on the field, in the workplace, or at home; it is primarily a book that can be applied to the art of politics. A similar book, though a bit more forceful in its approach is Machiavelli's "The Prince". I think that the Art of War is a more applicable in a pragmatic, but yet still honest way while Machiavelli's work makes no qualms about deception. Sun Tzu's philosophy is primarily based upon Confucius' philosophy (based in the concept that is called 'virtue' by Aristotle). It is for this reason that the book is as applicable today as it was when it was first written. Lionel Gile's edition offers a straight-forward, easy to read version, but I would recommend reading the book in its different editions as translations differ. The Art of War could easily be the basis of our politics, whether that is between friends, family, work, or country.

2. 

   5 out of 5

   Shawna Hansen – Jul 04, 2012

   Interesting to see all the related examples and footnotes explaining the translation difficulties. I recognized a lot of famous quotes "know they enemy" and learned a lot about strategy. Main my take-away was to always have good supplies and avoid certain terrain (rivers, hills, etc.) I may look for a more concise version, but this was interesting because of all the "modern" examples - Napoleon, Ladybird. Interesting to see all the related examples and footnotes explaining the translation difficulties. I recognized a lot of famous quotes "know they enemy" and learned a lot about strategy. Main my take-away was to always have good supplies and avoid certain terrain (rivers, hills, etc.) I may look for a more concise version, but this was interesting because of all the "modern" examples - Napoleon, Ladybird.

3. 

   5 out of 5

   Rob – Sep 26, 2011

   "The Art of War" was a lot more interesting than I thought it would be. I actually found it rather fascinating. A lot of the principles seem applicable to business as well. The version that I read had imbedded notes by the British translator that were often quite helpful to better understand the concepts being expressed. "The Art of War" was a lot more interesting than I thought it would be. I actually found it rather fascinating. A lot of the principles seem applicable to business as well. The version that I read had imbedded notes by the British translator that were often quite helpful to better understand the concepts being expressed.

4. 

   5 out of 5

   Briggs – May 05, 2013

   Enjoyable read. Interesting sights into Chinese thought and culture. Not life changing for me, although I have heard that businessmen have used it for something or other.

5. 

   5 out of 5

   Jose – Jun 13, 2015

   Great

6. 

   4 out of 5

   Sydney – Nov 30, 2013

   Well this was not an easy read but it was definitely worth it!

7. 

   5 out of 5

   Richard – Oct 24, 2012

   hooray audiobooks!

8. 

   4 out of 5

   Mark Wells – Sep 18, 2019

   Great book on Strategy.

9. 

   4 out of 5

   Corry –

10. 

    4 out of 5

    Ahmad Sayegh –

11. 

    4 out of 5

    Corey Aldridge –

12. 

    4 out of 5

    Ty Caver –

13. 

    4 out of 5

    Hakim –

14. 

    5 out of 5

    Robert Mackay –

15. 

    5 out of 5

    Carlos –

16. 

    5 out of 5

    River Yaro –

17. 

    4 out of 5

    Sandmorin –

18. 

    5 out of 5

    Stepviani Magdalena –

19. 

    4 out of 5

    Argin Gerigorian –

20. 

    5 out of 5

    Umar Kadavi –

21. 

    4 out of 5

    Emmanuel –

22. 

    4 out of 5

    Mychejonze –

23. 

    4 out of 5

    Dylan –

24. 

    5 out of 5

    Sandy Anugrah –

25. 

    5 out of 5

    Astralmax –

26. 

    4 out of 5

    Bonnie –

27. 

    5 out of 5

    Lourens –

28. 

    5 out of 5

    Liam –

29. 

    4 out of 5

    Moz –

30. 

    5 out of 5

    V Ra –