The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Art of War:

Composed by Sun Tzu in the 6th century B.C.E., The Art of War is basically a Chinese military manual which instructs the reader on how to wage war related to strategy and war tactics on the battlefield. This is one of the most ancient works on waging a military campaign and has influenced many Eastern and Western cultures in ways which Sun Tzu never imagined, such as in the business world, philosophy and some of the hard sciences.

The Art of War is broken down into thirteen separate chapters with each chapter focusing upon a particular aspect of military warfare. For example, in Chapter One called "Laying Plans," Sun Tzu states that the art of war is of prime importance to the State (i.e., the national government) related to its very survival -- "It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin." Each chapter is also broken down into distinct instructions in relation to how to wage war for the best possible outcome against one's enemies. In Chapter Three "Attack by Stratagem," Sun Tzu declares that the best thing to do in war is to "take the enemy's country whole and intact" without destroying its infrastructure and culture. It is also better to "recapture an army entirely than to destroy it," something which could be applied to taking over a business so as to eliminate it as a competitor.

In Chapter Six "Weak Points and Strong," Sun Tzu declares that the first combatants in the field who awaits the arrival of the enemy "will be fresh for the fight," while those that arrive later will be exhausted and unable to fight properly. Therefore, "the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him." This type of advice could be used also in a business setting, whereby the first to arrive at negotiations holds the upper hand.