The Art of War is a book written over two thousand years ago, and for that book to still be relevant to readers in the modern world speaks volumes of the works brilliance.

The book is written by Sun Tzu, a man that little is known of exept for his fame as a general and guide in the art of war. He was a man that insisted that the great generals of his time were men that not only possessed knowledge of the world around them, but also had a deep understanding of them self.

The Art of war was a core reading for Napoleon in Europe, the American general MacArthur and the Vietnamese general Vo Nguyen Giap. All men who’s military prowess influenced the world we live in today. This has led to many of his military peers, tho none is his equal, praising his work and attributing his guidance as part of their success.

To understand Sun Tzus works power and relevance we must understand what differentiates his work from his peers in manuals of war. As other writers, ancient and modern, writes guides for war Sun Tzus work has a deeper philosophical meaning that appice to life as a whole.

Sun Tzu said “Victory comes to those wo have developed an ethic of constant refinement and improvement. It is never possible to control other people, but by developing our own strength of character, knowledge and insight we can build invincibility” 

The quote above is just one of Sun Tzus lessons, where he describes the need for developing our self in a positive direction. We cannot control our peers and surrounding but we can gain full controll of ourself, but only by growing in a possitive direction.

In Sun Tzus first chapter in the art of war, he describes the need for preliminary reckoning in times of war, as well as in times of peace. He said ” Besides stratagem and the situation, there are five indispensable matters. The first is called The Way”. The Way is a concept of the five vertues of men, or in other words, the proper conduct of a man. These are humanity, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and faith. Here we can see how he not only describes the mechanics of war, but also the importance of knowing one self, and the virtues needed for a good life.

The worlds of Sun the Master:

“To all nations War is a great matter. Upon the army death or life depends: it is the means of existence or destruction”