Turk, I agree those people are foolish. They are however the ones that will kill me in my sleep for not buying their mp3 player...farewell sweet lit-net forum members.
China has been in an untenable defensive position historically.
Turk, I agree those people are foolish. They are however the ones that will kill me in my sleep for not buying their mp3 player...farewell sweet lit-net forum members.
China has been in an untenable defensive position historically.
"I am glad to learn my friend that you had not yet submitted yourself to any of the mouldy laws of Literature."
-John Muir
"My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - It gives a lovely light"
-Edna St. Vincent Millay
hmmm... i agree with robin, the message is applicable in this modern age, but i think more for personal philosophy and religion (always fight with the Tao)... but i think that the concept that this book is for economics is i think taking it too far.
it is, after all to paraphrase a Japanese proverb, " Business is war". after all
they have so far been doing fine in this aspect, world domination?- think Sony,
Panasonic, Toyota etc.
i think that i was actually a very well written book, but seeing as that is pure opinion you can take it or leave it. Sun Tzu also said that it was wise to attack when you had the Tao. to me, these two references give the impression that war is necessary, but unneccesary war is evil, as JEB Stuart said "attack the fastest with the mostest" and so i hold my point, the idea is to attack swiftly and effectively with no unneccessary lives spared or killed.Originally Posted by RobinHood3000
actually that is quite untrue, thier isolation, and position against mountains and deserts respectively were what allowed Pax Sinica to exist, they have a good position for classical style warfare such as SunTzu wrote about
I believe there is a book applying The Art of War and book of five rings to life principles. I've never gotten around to reading it and might atempt to now because of this discussion... it is rather short. It's The Book of Family Traditions on The Art of War by Yagyu Munenori.
I might have this book pegged down completely wrong and it may be about multiple schools of The Art of War...however I got the impression that it is about Zen and Buddist principles applied to the way of the warrior.
But this could be the key in this discussion about applying Sun Tzu's The Art of War to morality and life.
Also on the Clausewitz On War being applied to life.
I think On War was a much more precise book in its content rather than Sun Tzu's general applications. I've also wished that idiot resturant managers I've had in the past would take a few lessons from On War in organization and application. I can go into detail but its late and I don't feel like bringing out "the big guns". If y'all would like I certainly will but I feel it should be at a different time and possibly a different forum.
Last edited by Venom; 01-30-2010 at 12:24 PM. Reason: Typo
This is a great thread. Good posts.
The 5 factors listed in chapter 1 relate well to a modern context. The commander being you or your side. Heaven and Earth being the external factors, while the moral law and method and discipline are the internal factors within your control.
Heaven could be factors such as fashion trends, the weather outside, or the economy.
Earth could be factors such as geography, roads, or laws.
The Moral Law is what makes you and your allies believe you are doing the right thing. For Sun Tzu, it was the entire army believing that
their cause was worth fighting for. For the individual, it is asking yourself for a gut check. Before entering conflict you should ask yourself: Do you believe you are right? Do you have a purpose? Do people agree with you?
Method and Discipline is probably the most universal factor. It could also be called organization. For Sun Tzu it meant who could best supply troops and control expenses. For you it may refer to the strength of your work ethic or time management skills.
I have written more for an e-book and online course I think you would like at www.learntheartofwar.com
Check it out.
I have to say that I agree largely with Bazarov. It is not uncommon to read certain books and see how it applies, could apply, or does not apply at all to one's situation in life. The opening lines of the book tell us of a universal reality;
Granted, we can't apply his advice in a literal sense as none of us are commanders. However, there is "war" in every day life. The workplace, school, and politics are great examples of this. If you think you will get by in the workplace strictly due to being nice or super-competent, you are truly naive. Perhaps not every word written about terrain or promoting underlings will help you in your studies or at the workplace, but there is salient advice given when it comes to mindset and how to handle adversity.War is a matter of vital importance to the State;
I'm really trying to decide if you wrote that with sarcasm or not. If you did, you need a little work on your satirical bite. If you did not, then I envy your naivete.
Excellent point Nick. Pharmaceutical medicines that cure or greatly aid health are done out of the profit motive, not necessarily a heart-rendering understanding of patience, thoug hI wouldn't deny that some folks provide money or engage in that line of work out of compassion. A selfishly motivated heart surgeon or executive provide helps to millions, and it is not out of a Mother Teresa like compassionate sincerity. I would argue that there isn't one overriding motivation for achievement and desire to help others.
I would argue that one cannot implement Sun Tzu's Art of War effectively without being benevolent.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote