steve on Nostr: “The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China” translated by Ralph Sawyer ...
“The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China” translated by Ralph Sawyer
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Most of us have heard of Sun Tzu before, but what about Wei Liao or the T’ai Kung’s Six Secret Teachings? Eastern military strategy evolved in an entirely different context from Western culture, but it’s similarities shed light on some irrefutable truths about the nature of war. Regardless of the author, war theorists invariably discuss subjects of politics, humanity, and uncertainty. What’s interesting to me about the Eastern strategists is the grand strategy that underpinned all their advice to ancient emperors: the desire to rule “all under heaven”. In contrast, Western civilizations didn’t have such unlimited ends in mind (or perhaps, they weren’t feasible) and consequently evolved their thinking differently. Do yourself a favor and brush up on Chinese history before tackling these texts… the added context goes a long way towards understanding their nuance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Most of us have heard of Sun Tzu before, but what about Wei Liao or the T’ai Kung’s Six Secret Teachings? Eastern military strategy evolved in an entirely different context from Western culture, but it’s similarities shed light on some irrefutable truths about the nature of war. Regardless of the author, war theorists invariably discuss subjects of politics, humanity, and uncertainty. What’s interesting to me about the Eastern strategists is the grand strategy that underpinned all their advice to ancient emperors: the desire to rule “all under heaven”. In contrast, Western civilizations didn’t have such unlimited ends in mind (or perhaps, they weren’t feasible) and consequently evolved their thinking differently. Do yourself a favor and brush up on Chinese history before tackling these texts… the added context goes a long way towards understanding their nuance.