The 36 Stratagems (Complete Collection)

Author: Chen Caijun, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-19
Features: "The 36 Stratagems" is a military classic that summarizes the brilliant military thoughts and rich struggle experience of ancient China, one of the profound cultural heritages of the Chinese nation. The phrase "The 36 Stratagems" predates the book's publication year, with its origins traceable to the Southern Dynasties period general Tan Daoji (c. 436 AD). According to the "Biography of Wang Jingze" in the History of the Southern Qi Dynasty (·): "General Tan had 36 strategies, and flight was the best one. Your father and son should only flee." This means when defeat is inevitable and irreparable, retreat is the best strategy. Later generations continued to use this phrase, and () collected and compiled various books to create "The 36 Stratagems," though the exact time and author of the book remain uncertain. Today, the rich connotations of "The 36 Stratagems" have far exceeded its original scope of military struggles and are widely applied in politics, economics, diplomatic management, science and technology, sports, and even life philosophy. It has become an important source of wisdom for people to establish themselves and guide their lives.