The Art of War by Sun Tzu has been on my reading list for a considerable time. I even attempted the audiobook during my time in San Francisco, spurred by its frequent appearance on lists for CEOs and self-improvement enthusiasts.
The book is structured into 13 chapters, each consisting of a series of concise treatises—essentially rules or principles. These rules are generally short, often only two to three sentences, making for a very quick read. I finished it in a single day, which made me wonder why I had delayed reading it for so long. Written by Sun Tzu, a renowned general who lived between 544-496 BC (his name meaning “Master Sun”), the book is a classic of military strategy.
While many claim The Art of War offers valuable life lessons and universal principles, I was ultimately disappointed. The treatises are primarily focused on the practicalities of raising and commanding an army. The popular interpretation that these rules can be applied to various aspects of life seems, to me, a significant stretch. While some statements, like “All warfare is based on deception,” can be interpreted broadly, the overall context strongly suggests a strictly military focus. This is particularly evident in passages detailing the financial requirements for raising a large army, including the costs of chariots and soldiers.
I understand that my opinion is not widely shared, so I revisited the book to see if I could find alternative interpretations. I concede that certain lessons about strategy, deception, and timing could be applied to business. However, I still find it a forced interpretation. I imagine Sun Tzu would be adamant that his work is solely about ancient warfare.
I am aware of adaptations like “The Art of War for Business,” which translate these principles into a business context. I will add one of those to my reading list to see if it provides a more relevant application.
As a manual for ancient military strategy, The Art of War would undoubtedly earn a 5 out of 5 stars. However, as a contemporary reader seeking broader applications, I rate it 2 out of 5 stars.
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