The Art of War: Newly Compiled Little Five Classics Four Books

Author: Zhao Guohua, Xu Jian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: This book is titled "The Art of War," primarily compiling classic discussions on traditional military strategy. The compilers believe that traditional military strategy consists of three levels: First is "The Art of War," as the earliest extant military treatise, it runs like a long red thread through the entire course of Chinese military history, playing a significant guiding role. Second are the "Seven Military Classics," including "The Art of War," "Wuzi," "The Methods of Sima," "Wu Liezi," "The Six Classics," "The Three Stratagems," and "The Questions and Answers of Li Weigong." Just as Confucianism has the Five Classics and Four Books, and Taoism has the "Laozi" and "Zhuangzi," the Seven Military Classics hold a special theoretical value for the development of Chinese military education and military scholarship. Third are all military treatises, in addition to the Seven Military Classics, there is a large number of other military works, such as "Sun Bin's Art of War," "The Art of Commanding the Army," "The White Horse Inn Manual," "The Tiger Seal Manual," "The Essential Records of Military Affairs," "He the Doctor's Preparations for Argument," "The Records of Formation," "The Strategy of the Hermit," "The Practical Records of Training the Army," and "The Art of War," as well as discussions on military issues by the philosophers of various dynasties from different perspectives, reflecting the characteristics of traditional military strategy. The theoretical contributions of all these works form the main content of this book. Swords and daggers are merely for "one-on-one" combat, while military strategy is for "combat against thousands." The strong dialectical nature, obvious comprehensiveness, strong practicality, and complete continuity constitute the characteristics of military strategy. Upholding peace while valuing war; promoting justice while emphasizing benefits; emphasizing strength while focusing on strategy; highlighting commanders while cherishing soldiers—these are truly excellent traditions. The application of traditional military strategy is not limited to war but also extends to other social activities. Business decision-making can refer to military decision-making; human resource development and management can refer to military organization and management; market competition can refer to military strategy. Whether it is individual competition or group confrontation, drawing on some military strategy will yield extraordinary results.