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The Art of War by Sun Tzu is itself an elegantly simple text, filled with clear, but deep deep insights into the nature of reallity and humanity, worthy of reflection. The text as it appears in this book is expounded for the reader by 5 or 6 later writers who wanted to share their insights into the great general's meaning. Their comments are interspersed with the actual text. While Tzu's own words are picked out in bold type, reading the mixture is like herding long-tailed cats or stretching taffy, rewarding perhaps, but very sticky and wearisome. If you desire the insights of the great general prepare to work hard at picking them out and consider seeking a different edition.
A classic piece of Chinese Philosophy. Some highlights:
Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance with out fighting.
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
Spies are the most important element in war, because upon them depends an army's ability to move.
All warfare is based on deception.
The general who wins a battle makes many calculations before the battle is fought.
There is no instance of a country having benefited from a prolonged war.
The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals.
Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance with out fighting.
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
Spies are the most important element in war, because upon them depends an army's ability to move.
All warfare is based on deception.
The general who wins a battle makes many calculations before the battle is fought.
There is no instance of a country having benefited from a prolonged war.
The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals.