The Art of War by Sun Tzu

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War has been an aspect of life ever since the earliest civilizations. Whether it be for self-gain, defending your nation or others reasons, it cannot not be avoided in this conflicted world. When that time approaches every military leader must know how to conduct himself with the most efficiency. A leader must have this knowledge so he can lead his troops in a fashion that points towards victory. The critically acclaimed novel, The Art of War, is considered one of the greatest books on military strategy by many, and was written by Sun Tzu, a man who was given the title of one of the greatest military leaders by other military figures, and even though it may be difficult to understand at times, is still a very enjoyable read for anyone interested in military tactics.
The Art of War is full of powerful yet frightening ways that Sun Tzu said war should be fought. The tactics that Tzu used in war were affective, but some leaders today would consider him a warmonger for his actions. In his book he explains that war must be without mercy, but at some points one must give grace. Page upon page told of the slaughtering of entire cities that he invaded. However, the book does contain accounts of Tzu sparing entire armies and letting them return home. Even though he was a ruthless killer on the battlefield, he did seem to keep to his philosophy that he wrote stating, "In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good. So, too, it is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them." (pg.32)
The Art of War shows the philosophy of Sun Tzu as he describes how to ma...

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"NCZOnline." Book Review: The Art of War. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
"Sun Tzu and The Art of War." Sun Tzu. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
"Sun Tzu: A Critique Of Flaws In Chapter One ‘Laying Plans’." William Holland. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014.
"Sun Tzu Biography - The Art of War Author." Sun Tzu Biography - The Art of War Author. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
"Sun Tzu." Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
"Sun Tzu Quotes." Sun Tzu Quotes (Author of The Art of War). N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2013.
"The Art of War." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
"The Art of War By Sun TZU – A Critical Review." The Readers Eye. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
United States of America. Library. Sun Tzu Chinese Military Leader (c. 544 B.C. - C. 496 B.C.). By Arthur Waldron. N.p.: Houghton Mifflin, 1996. Literature Resource Center. Web.

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