is a classic military primer written around 500 BC by Sun Tzu. Written in China, it has influenced Chinese military leaders all the way up to, and including Mao Tse-Tung.Mao's own works give evidence to the impact of Sun Tzu on his life. See:
Sun Tzu said that war was important to survival and should be considered using 5 fundamental factors:
- moral influence
- weather
- terrain
- command
- doctrine
This book is full of short lists. The five sorts of secret agents:
- native
- inside
- doubled
- expendable
- living
The five methods of attacking with fire:
- burn personnel
- burn stores
- burn equipment
- burn arsenals
- incendiary missiles
Five qualities which are dangerous in the character of a general:
- recklessness -- he can be killed
- cowardly -- he can be captured
- quick-tempered -- you can make a fool of him
- too delicate a sense of honor -- you can make up lies and falsehoods about him
- compassionate -- you can harass him
The Art Of War
has several short memorable statements and suggestions. Here are some of my favorites."All warefare is based on deception."
"Victory is the main object in war."
"To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill."
"Generally, management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization."
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