Sun Tzu's "The Art of War"

[slateman]

I've already read this book (got it from the library). Well now I can afford to buy this book and I have a question.

Which one? This thing has more translations than the friggin Bible. Any recomendations? Does it even matter?

[Miscue]

Get the one written in the original language, so you don't lose information from the translation.

[logamus]

it might be tough to read chinese though miscue. :)

[slateman]

Yea miscue. Its original language is Chinese (Ancient Chinese to be more precise). I'm having a tough enough time with Spanish

[FactsOfLife]

When you get done reading that, if you haven't already, get a copy of Myamoto Musashi's A Book Of Five Rings.

[than205]

And the Tao de Ching

[nippinout]

I cannot remember which versions I read, but I did read two. One sucked, the other didn't. Just check around on the internet to see what other people think.

I just grabbed the two different versions that the library had and read them.

[aaron_mag]

Originally posted by FactsOfLife
When you get done reading that, if you haven't already, get a copy of Myamoto Musashi's A Book Of Five Rings.

Great! I agree with Facts again. Can't even remember all that was said but I know it is very good!

[bofh]

I'd suggest the Thomas Cleary translated one., and take a look at "the Art of the Warrior" which draws on Sun-Tzu and also Sun Pin

Shambhala Publications prints both of the books.

While I can't speak for the technical translation, I do find, of all the art of wars I've read, this one is the one I like the most.

[Skreemer]

Originally posted by bofh
I'd suggest the Thomas Cleary translated one., and take a look at "the Art of the Warrior" which draws on Sun-Tzu and also Sun Pin

Shambhala Publications prints both of the books.

While I can't speak for the technical translation, I do find, of all the art of wars I've read, this one is the one I like the most.

and the funny thing is.... I happen to keep the Thomas Cleary translation in my desk at work and was going to suggest getting that one...


The Shambhala Dragon Edition (cover price $9.95) is printed on acid free paper and Smyth-Sewn binding that I haven't been able to break yet....


I got mine in a used book store for 5$.

[FactsOfLife]

Originally posted by aaron_mag


Great! I agree with Facts again. Can't even remember all that was said but I know it is very good!

"When the sword is drawn, the gun becomes useless."

--Musashi

[joeyjoe367]

Umm... What is "The art of war" about?





"When the sword is drawn, the gun becomes useless."
--Musashi

my retort:

"haaayaaaa~~~!!! YA! YA AYAYAYAY!!!"
-Swordsman

"Bang"
-Indiana Jones

[845]

Originally posted by FactsOfLife


"When the sword is drawn, the gun becomes useless."

--Musashi

Obviously Musashi wasnt around to experience automatic rifles. Or hes "The One".

[bofh]

Originally posted by FactsOfLife
"When the sword is drawn, the gun becomes useless."

--Musashi

This doesn't refer to a man vs man fight, but more when the infantry has engaged in sword fighting, the gun is not a prefered weapon.

The Translation I recall was "From inside fortifications, the gun has no equal among weapons. It is the supreme weapon on the field before the ranks clash, but once swords are crossed the gun becomes useless" in the Victor Harris translation.

In context it makes much more sense. Given that the book was written in the early 1600's you have to cut some slack. :)

[MantisMag]

yeah back then you only got one shot and rifles took forever to load. so you really only got one shot off before the swordsmen would reach you. at which point you had better draw your own sword or you're gonna die.