Future Generals Must Read: Glorious Commanders

Author: Xie Yongliang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: A military strategist is a person engaged in the special profession of war. War places special demands on the character, will, knowledge, abilities, and psychological qualities of a military strategist. Although the paths of growth for each military strategist are diverse, the common requirements for becoming a military strategist are universal. This book selects 22 representative military strategists from ancient and modern China and the world, delving into their life journeys and personality traits to analyze the secrets of their success, inspiring you along the way. "Although the world may be at peace, forgetting war is dangerous," and even more so in today's unstable world, we must not forget war or neglect to study and research it. The safety and development of society depend on military strategists, those who aspire to the military profession and dream of becoming military strategists, as well as enthusiasts who are concerned about military development and willing to contribute to its advancement. Studying and researching military matters, influenced by current high-tech warfare, has led people to overemphasize military technology. In fact, beyond learning military technology, it is more important to study military history. We know that all renowned military strategists have conducted in-depth research on military history and, from a young age, have had their own idols among military figures and a strong interest in military strategies. When studying military history, there are three aspects of knowledge that cannot be ignored: famous military figures, decisive battles in famous wars, and the art of war (strategies) from ancient and modern times. Peter the Great of Russia, from a young age, aspired to be like Alexander the Great, saying he grew up imitating Alexander.
A military strategist is a person engaged in the special profession of war. War places special demands on the character, will, knowledge, abilities, and psychological qualities of a military strategist. Although the paths of growth for each military strategist are diverse, the common requirements for becoming a military strategist are universal. The Glorious Generals Every Future Military Strategist Must Read selects 22 representative military strategists from ancient and modern China and the world, analyzing the secrets of their success through their life journeys and personality traits. Perhaps you will discover: a small incident can change a person's life; a chance opportunity can propel someone onto a grand stage; a moment of hesitation can ruin a lifetime of effort. So, what kind of character and courage are needed to reach the pinnacle of military strategy? From the 22 military strategists in the book, you will find inspiration.
The most thrilling and intense part of war is undoubtedly the battle, now called a battle. A war consists of one or several battles. According to incomplete statistics, there are over 10,000 wars recorded in history, and the number of battles is far greater. Building on the research of predecessors, we have selected 28 battles that have had the greatest impact on human history. Some are dramatic, while others are miraculous. War is condensed in battles, and history is shaped in battles. After battles, some people rise to heaven, while others fall into hell: Alexander the Great established an empire after the Battle of Gaugamela, while King Darius of Persia was left for dead on the road; after the Battle of Pharsalus, Caesar became a dictator, while Pompey fled his homeland and died in exile; one victory turned William from an illegitimate child into an "emperor"; one battle turned Napoleon from an emperor into a prisoner. Beyond their historical impact, the consequences are even harder to estimate. The Glorious Battles Every Future Military Strategist Must Read analyzes these life-and-death moments from an objective perspective, exploring what lies behind success and where the causes of failure lie. Napoleon, the "King of War," once said: "The battles Ied were merely repetitions of famous battles in history." From these battles, you can surely find the path to victory.
The art of war is the crystallization of human wisdom and the experience gained at great cost. A military strategist once said: "Before war begins, the outcome is already written in the art of war." In reality, the most commonly used military strategies are not many; the key lies in their flexible application based on the situation. Between Germany and France, three major wars occurred in a hundred years: the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and two World Wars, where German battles against France followed the principle of "concentrating forces to strike unexpectedly." The art of war never ages, and its application always requires innovation. The Glorious Art of War Every Future Military Strategist Must Read discusses the art of war from this perspective, combining the ever-changing of the battlefield to apply unchanging truths to variable times and spaces, refining and developing the essence of the art of war! You will not only learn the rules of war but also the art of business, even interpersonal relationships. If you aspire to become a military strategist or are a military enthusiast, this series will not disappoint you.
Major General Yuan Dejin, Doctor of the Academy of Military Sciences, April 2005