Introduction:
Delve into the profound wisdom of ancient Chinese military and philosophical thought with this compelling 8-book set. Spanning treatises that have shaped strategic thinking for centuries, this collection offers unique insights into warfare, governance, and human behavior. It captures the essence of Chinese strategy, combining politics, philosophy, and battle tactics with a focus on subtlety, deception, and disciplined man-management. Each book in the set provides a rich source of knowledge and reflection, perfect for scholars, strategists, and anyone fascinated by the intricate interplay of strategy and philosophy.
Titles In This Set:
Notebook
Questions and Replies
Three Strategies of Huang Shigong
Wuzi
Wei Liaozi
The Methods of The Sima
Six Secret Teachings of Taigong
The Art of War
Description:
Notebook:
This is an elegantly designed, versatile journal inspired by the timeless strategies of Sun Tzu's classic treatise, "The Art of War." This notebook features a sleek cover, often adorned with traditional Chinese motifs or quotes from the text, providing a sophisticated and inspiring aesthetic. Inside, the blank pages offer ample space for personal reflections, creative writing, strategic planning, or daily journaling. Perfect for enthusiasts of military strategy, history, or anyone seeking a thoughtful and stylish medium for their notes and ideas.
Questions and Replies:
Thought to have occurred almost 1,500 years ago, Questions and Replies Between Emperor Taizong and General Li Jing captures the changing realities of warfare at a time when the late Tang dynasty would begin its 300-ycar reign.
It was a world where Barbarians' shared an uneasy co-existence with the Han. Central Asia was both a strategic threat and opportunity. Amid such volatile times, the astute Emperor Taizong and his capable advisor General Li Jing critically evaluate ancient Chinese wisdom captured by scholars like Sun Tzu, Taigong, Wuzi, and Zhuge Liang to draw lessons for the future.
The beauty of this book is that it is at once straightforward, accessible, and yet profound, There is considerable disagreement upon the conclusions drawn by the ancients and even among the two protagonists themselves. The reader cannot help but be an energetic third participant of this timeless deliberation
Three Strategies of Huang Shigong:
Three Strategies of Huang Shigong, attributed to the Han General Zhang Liang dates back to the 3rd-2nd century BCE. The classic publication seeks to wed military strategy with civilian administration into a meritorious and seamless whole. It has been compiled to flag lessons from history to a beleaguered era
Of the three strategies, the Upper Strategies uphold the importance of ritual and rewards. They differentiate between the malicious and brave and distinguish success from failure.
The Middle Strategies delve into the frequent incompatibility between good intent and practice They also probe shifts in the balance of power.
The Lower Strategies enlighten us about the Way (Tao) and virtue. They look into issues that create insecurity among people and explain the mechanics of treating deserving people and dealing with unscrupulous ones.
Wuzi:
The 2,500-year-old Wuzi is an energetic reading. Scholar-general Wu Qu is part Chanakya and part Sun Tzu. He is at once sharp, detached, analytical and confident. Most importantly, his deeds match his words. The journey from advising the king on the moral basis of governance to the advantages of calculated violence seems seamless
There is compassion in cold logic and vice-versa, This approach assuages an insecure ruler, people, and soldiers at a particularly unstable point in China's chequered history. Wars were almost everyday occurrences, and the king was at once an administrator X. and near-religious figure.
The General has much the same role on the battlefield. He is a benevolent disciplinarian. He motivates his men with fervour and then follows up with concrete rewards and stern punishments. All along, he strategizes and prepares to confront his many enemies.
Wei Liaozi:
Unlike other Chinese military classics Wei Liaozi questions the penchant for seeking out divine omens. The treatise does not adopt a praiseworthy tone at all times either. Kings and generals are often criticised. Common sense is emphasised.
Surprisingly for a book of its vintage (around 500-200 BCE), the book talks about cannons and women in battle. It is also not shy of referencing the Art of War from time to time.
The thrust is very much on organising military and civilian affairs when war clouds loom. The martial part is pivoted around discipline and systems. Among other aspects, collective punishment is a favoured theme, The people angle is more well-rounded. Popular support for military campaigns is stated to be a pre-requisite Don't kill the goose that lays golden eggs is the motto that China followed then and now.
The Methods of The Sima:
The Methods of the Sima, thought to be put together around 500 BCE, is designed as a reference manual for good governance. While it does address military grand strategy and minutiae of man-management, the thrust is very much on 'what must a king or general do for the greater good'. 'Sima's Methods' are benchmarked upon sound practices followed by ancient Sage (wise) kings who sought to order society based upon considerations of harmony, balance of power and public welfare
The breadth of thought is sweeping but the hand is light, Subtlety is a much-valued trait in Chinese culture then and now. Essential reading to understand the evolution of the dragon-country's strategic culture.
Six Secret Teachings of Taigong:
Thought to be over 3,000 years old as oral tradition and compiled during the Chinese Warring States era (475-221 BCE), Taigong's Six Secret Teachings is probably the oldest known work of Chinese military scholarship. Written with the stated objective of overthrowing the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BCE) it insightfully combines politics and philosophy with often brutal battle tactics. It is still very relevant for military planners in that it advocates a lethal combination of subtlety and deception, with discipline and exemplary man-management The content is presented in an easily accessible and case study format
The Art of War:
If you seek a window into Chinese military thinking, ancient and present, look no further than Sun Tzu's The Art of War. Thought to be compiled sometime around 500 BCE, the treatise is a succinct war manual that ironically delves on strategies to avoid waging war in the first place. It is incisive and straight talking. But as is typical of the Chinese mind, it is layered and subject to multiple interpretations-probably why there are many versions of this book. Sun Tzu orients warfare in complex dynamics of politics, geography, espionage and most interestingly psychology. The fascinating part is that while he presents a set of guiding principles to wage a successful military campaign, he also lays out an equally large number of riders under which one may deviate from these dictums. Flexibility, unpredictability and deception is after all at the heart of warfare!
