The Art of War (Chinese: 孫子兵法) is an ancient Chinese military treatise dating from the Late Spring and Autumn Period (roughly 5th century BC). The work, which is attributed to the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu ("Master Sun", also spelled Sunzi), is composed of 13 chapters. Each one is devoted to a different set of skills (or "art") related to warfare and how it applies to military strategy and tactics. For almost 1,500 years it was the lead text in an anthology that was formalized as the Seven Military Classics by Emperor Shenzong of Song in 1080. The Art of War remains the most influential strategy text in East Asian warfare and has influenced both Eastern and Western military thinking, business tactics, legal strategy, lifestyles and beyond.

Twenty-Five Hundred years ago, Sun Tzu wrote The Art of War. This classic military strategy book is based on Chinese warfare and military thought. Since that time, all levels of the military have used the teaching of Sun Tzu. Since then, many have adapted these teachings for use in politics, business, and everyday life.

The most critical factor to a winning strategy is in the planning stage. You must calculate your strengths and weaknesses against the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses. Only then can you properly decide if it is advantageous to attack, stay put, or flee.

The best offensive move to victory is to psychologically destroy the enemy before the actual war occurs and take them over in peace with no killing necessary. Take their mind and heart out, and the enemy has no chance.

Book Contents:
Chapter 1: Laying Plans
Chapter 2: Waging War
Chapter 3: Attack by Strategy
Chapter 4: Tactical Dispositions
Chapter 5: Use of Energy
Chapter 6: Weak Points and Strong
Chapter 7: Maneuvering
Chapter 8: Variation of Tactics
Chapter 9: The Army on the March
Chapter 10: Classification of Terrain
Chapter 11: The Nine Situations
Chapter 12: The Attack by Fire
Chapter 13: The Use of Spies