THE ART OF WAR BY SUN TZU, TRANSLATED BY THOMAS CLEARY- I SO MUCH LOVE THIS BOOK IN PARTICULAR ☺️

A LITTLE ABOUT THIS BOOK

"THE ART OF WAR" by SUN TZU is best summarized as being a champion/winner without necessarily engaging in battle but by foresight and common sense.

In my perspective, learning from experience is not always the best teacher because the aftermath of our experiences might be too disastrous that it might take a long time to recover. By then we might have been destroyed and broken, maybe, beyond repair. Learning from others mistakes, which are sometimes written in books and learnt by observation, are the best teachers; because with that, you can escape and prevent danger when the arise and wouldn't have to go through pains, depression, trauma or hardship that comes with learning from our own experiences.

When one is aware that the fire🔥can burn and hurt, he wouldn't dare put any of his body close to it for the fear of getting burnt, feeling pains or getting a permanent scar. That is what knowing and discovery before hand does. It saves us from doom and destruction!

Master SUN TZU brought to light different ways to defeat our enemies and put them in their place without engaging in warfare or getting harmed by them. That was why he stressed the importance of not just knowing who you are but who your enemies are, not just in war but in competition and conflict. Thus, When one has knowledge of who he is but not others, they have a slight chance to win the battle and when they do not know who they are, nor those who are against them, they are in danger in every battle. Self discovery is very important because it helps us know who we are, what we can let into our lives and what we can't. It helps us set boundaries and keeps us focused. Knowing who we are and those around us gives us an edge in our homes, work place and where ever we find ourselves. When we know those that surround us, it gives us an idea how to relate and put them in their place.

Comprehension after battle is not worthy being called comprehension; neither knowing after seeing is worthy being called knowing. Therefore, you really know when you are able to comprehend before battle and know before seeing; this is called foresight.

The art of war brings to light skills and tactics to win battles just by putting your enemies in confusion by being unpredictable. It explains not divulging your operational secrets no matter what. Giving an enemy or spy a clue of what you can do is dangerous. Thus, been careful how we talk, at all times is key.

It also explains the importance of acting immediately. Taking that step when you need to and grabbing that opportunity when you have to. This is because, taking an immediate action can change things for good. It can turn anger to delight or even save a nation not to be destroyed because a nation destroyed means destruction of the people therein which cannot be restored back to life. Therefore, it is best we avoid it by all means.

This book comprises of thirteen insightful chapters which includes:

1.Strategic Assessment
2.Doing Battle
3.Planning a siege
4.Formation
5.Force
6.Emptiness and Fullness
7.Armed Struggle
8.Adaptations
9.Maneuvering Armies
10.Terrain
11.Nine Grounds
12.Fire Attack
13.On the use of spies

THE QUOTE THAT HAVE TRASFORMED AND STILL TRANSFORMING ME

I so much love the quote above in chapter six(6), page 76. This particular quote keeps me focused. It has taught me patience and been on time. Applying this quote to my daily life, it teaches me the importance of being early wherever I am going to; whether an exam, interview, to work, traveling; just be on time Celine.

When you are first on the battlefield, it gives you more time to strategize, prepare and position yourself for attack. Because, when you are late in battle, you end up being exhausted and confused on positioning yourselves for attack, thereby giving the early comers an upper hand to defeat you. Just like going late for an exam, you become anxious, confused and disorganized which can lead to failure which must be avoided by all means. So many think they have time when they don't and end up going late.

Also, when you want something, don't chase after it, let it come to you freely. Because, when it does, you become in charge. There is also a high probability of the other person chasing after you not to take you for granted. Chasing after things can put us at disadvantage. At times, it's good to be unpredictable to people. It brings about a level of respect to us.

WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?

I would recommend this book over and over again to anyone who wants to win without wasting their energies in battle. Thanks @mrprofessor for this opportunity to talk about this book. You can also participate and share your favorite quote and get to win some SBD. Check this link for more details.

Studying, not just reading a book makes you know what you do not know. It can transform and bring out the best in you. Study a book today...Love you all.