The Art of War: Seven Military Classics from Ancient China 8 Books Collection Box Set - Fiction - Paperback

Description

• The Art of War 'Winning each battle is not as laudable as breaking the enemy's will to fight, without having to fight in the first place. If you seek a window into Chinese military chinking, ancient and present, look no furcher than Sun Tzu's "The Art of War. Thought to be compiled sometime around 500 BCE, the treatise is a succinct war manual, that ironically delves on strategies to avoid waging war in che first place. It is incisive and straight-talking. But as is typical of che Chinese mind, it is layered and subject to multiple interpretations
• probably why there are many versions of this book. Sun Tzu orients warfare in complex dynamics of politics, geography, espionage and most interestingly, psychology. The fascinating part is that while he presents a set of guiding principles to wage a successful military campaign, he also lays out an equally large number of riders under which one may deviate from these dictums. Flexibility, unpredictability and deception is after all at che heart of warfare! The Methods of The Sima 'Handsome victories are not to be rewarded to prevent generals and the army from becoming too self-indulgent. Similarly severe losses should not result in punishment. Rather, the armed forces must be allowed time to introspect and perform better in future engagements.' The Methods of the Sima thought to be put together around 500 BCE is designed as a reference manual for good governance. While it does address military grand strategy and minutiae of man-management, the thrust is very much on what must a king or general do for the greater good. 'Sima's Methods* are benchmarked upon sound practices followed by ancient Sage (wise) kings who sought to order society based upon considerations of harmony, balance of power and public welfare. The breadth of thought is sweeping but the hand is light. Subtlety is a much-valued trait in Chinese culture
• then and now. Essential reading to understand the evolution of the dragon-country's strategic culture. Wei Liaozi If a country neither has the capability to wage war externally nor defend itself from within, then its best strategy is to develop markets. By cultivating economic strength in this manner, the country can gradually build military competence. Unlike other Chinese military classics Wei Liaozi questions the penchant for seeking out divine omens. The treatise does not adopt a praiseworthy tone at all times either. Kings and generals are often criticised. Common sense is emphasised Surprisingly for a book of its vintage (around 500-200 BCE), the book talks about cannons and women in battle. It is also not shy of referencing the Art of War from time to time. The thrust is very much on organising military and civilian affairs when war clouds loom. The martial part is pivoted around discipline and systems. Among other aspects, collective punishment is a favoured theme. The people angle is more well-rounded. Popular support for military campaigns is stated to be a pre-requisite. Don't kill che goose that lays golden eggs is the motto that China followed then and now. Wuzi A series of victories does not necessarily result in strategic stability. Should victory accrue in just a single grand battle, then the kingdom has already created an empire. The 2,500-year-old Wii is energetic reading. Scholar-general Wu Qi is part Chanakya and part Sun Tzu. He is at once sharp, detached, analytical and confident. Most importantly, his deeds match his words. The journey from advising the king on the moral basis of governance to the advantages of calculated violence seems seamless There is compassion in cold logic and vice-versa. This approach assuages an insecure ruler, people, and soldiers at a particularly unstable point in Chinas chequered history. Wars were almost everyday occurrences, and the king was at once an administrator and near-religious figure. The General has much the same role on the battlefield. He is a benevolent disciplinarian. He motivates his men with fervour and then follows up with concrete rewards and stern punishments. All along, he strategises and prepares to confront his many enemies Questions and Replies 'Military planners followed Th