For a bit of context this is my first book that I’ve ever read front to back in my entire life that wasn’t a kids book when I was little. So I decided to pick up a book that is thousands of years old. That is about a topic I find interesting. That being warfare in history. Little did I know that this book was not a philosophy book like most people will tell you and me. And Sun Tzu is not a philosopher. (At least not in my opinion) The Art of War is a book literally telling you how to win wars. Like how to move your troops, how to keep up morale in your army, how to identify a safe place for your soldiers to camp and rest, how to hurt enemy morale, ect. I still find it an interesting read and definitely taught me a thing or two about how to seige the castle.
(You don’t)
Just thought about sharing. If you want a philosophy book go read Marcus Aurelius’s meditations.
by ArtemusTheKnight
3 Comments
Not all wars are fought on the battlefield.
You say this is the first book you have ever read start to finish. How can you recommend Meditations when you haven’t even read it.
The grammar in this post adds to the effect
I had a similar response when I first read it. I’d been told it was a work of military genius by the greatest general who ever lived, and was still studied today by generals and commanders of the modern era.
Then when you read it you realise the target audience is aristocrats who’d never fought in a war before and it’s full of very basic advice about making sure your soldiers are fed and not attacking enemies that are stronger than you.
There’s plenty of interesting stuff in it, but I didn’t expect it to be essentially a beginner’s guide to army management.