Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The Art of War - Spirituality for Conflict - Review
With a shelf full of versions of "The Art of War" why purchase another one? This is a question one could ask of me. I have a dozen versions of "The Art of War," yet I purchased and read "The Art of War - Spirituality for Conflict" and am extremely glad that I did.
This version of "The Art of War" annotated and explained was annotated by Thomas Huynh and it is his translations with the editors at his website Sonshi. There is a foreword by Marc Benioff, chairman and CEO of salesforce and a preface by Thomas Cleary. It was Cleary's preface that helped me decide to purchase this version, since several of my versions were translated by Cleary, and I've enjoyed the numerous translations of his I've read over the years.
Huynh states that he wishes he would have had this translation when he first started studying Sun Tzu's words twenty years ago. After reading it, I agree that any student of Sun Tzu will benefit from "The Art of War - Spirituality for Conflict."
Besides the interesting foreword and preface, there is a good introduction that lays some basic history and information for those new to Sun Tzu and those that have studied various translations already. One impressive fact about this book is that it is the work of twenty years of study with over forty reputable scholars working on it.
I enjoyed how this edition addresses a spiritual approach to conflict through Sun Tzu's teachings. The book still contains the thirteen chapters that were written by Sun Tzu. They are laid out in a format that has the translated text on the right side page, with the commentary to the translated text on the left side page. If a person wanted to, they could read every right hand page and they would be reading the entire translated text of "The Art of War."
However, if you truly study "The Art of War" like I enjoy doing, you will not only read the translated text, you will savor the commentary and annotations as well as ponder the lessons beyond Huynh's guidance.
In the annotations, Huynh provides examples relating to the text from many sources. It is refreshing to see things from the Bible, Buddha, and Lao Tzu not contrasting each other, but illustrating points and guiding toward conflict resolution. The text also includes examples based on General Robert E. Lee, Fourth Geneva Convention, a sermon delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in 1957, George Washington, Robert Gates to the U.S. Congress in 2007, Henry David Thoreau, mathematics professor and investment trader Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Yamamoto Tsunetomo's Hagakure, and many more. These examples and illustrations of lessons and principles help with the study and application of "The Art of War" to other areas than only military strategy.
This is important, because while many readers of this text will benefit in areas other than in the military. While I first studied "The Art of War" while in the U.S. Army, I study it now for different reasons. It is a text that not only can help the military person, but any person who deals with conflict. And we all face conflict!
Sun Tzu's teachings are effective in all conflict, not only war. This new translation, with the annotations and explanations will allow any reader, from those with no previous knowledge of "The Art of War" to those who have studied multiple volumes, to learn and apply Sun Tzu's sage advice. It is very insightful and will not only help with your understanding and application of the ancient text, but will provide you with guidance to prevent and resolve conflicts in your own life.
If you want to study conflict resolution through a book about war. This is the text for you. If you have never read "The Art of War," this is a good book to start your studies. It is clear, easy to read, and contains excellent annotations to apply the lessons to your life. If you are a student of "The Art of War," this is a must add to your collection. You will find it an informative and refreshing look at this classic manual. I am very happy that I decided to purchase yet another volume. Its practical and pragmatic guidance has broadened my understanding of "The Art of War," and more importantly has helped me bring these ancient lessons into my conflict resolution practice. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author, speaker
Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and The Lock On Joint Locking series, and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer
This version of "The Art of War" annotated and explained was annotated by Thomas Huynh and it is his translations with the editors at his website Sonshi. There is a foreword by Marc Benioff, chairman and CEO of salesforce and a preface by Thomas Cleary. It was Cleary's preface that helped me decide to purchase this version, since several of my versions were translated by Cleary, and I've enjoyed the numerous translations of his I've read over the years.
Huynh states that he wishes he would have had this translation when he first started studying Sun Tzu's words twenty years ago. After reading it, I agree that any student of Sun Tzu will benefit from "The Art of War - Spirituality for Conflict."
Besides the interesting foreword and preface, there is a good introduction that lays some basic history and information for those new to Sun Tzu and those that have studied various translations already. One impressive fact about this book is that it is the work of twenty years of study with over forty reputable scholars working on it.
I enjoyed how this edition addresses a spiritual approach to conflict through Sun Tzu's teachings. The book still contains the thirteen chapters that were written by Sun Tzu. They are laid out in a format that has the translated text on the right side page, with the commentary to the translated text on the left side page. If a person wanted to, they could read every right hand page and they would be reading the entire translated text of "The Art of War."
However, if you truly study "The Art of War" like I enjoy doing, you will not only read the translated text, you will savor the commentary and annotations as well as ponder the lessons beyond Huynh's guidance.
In the annotations, Huynh provides examples relating to the text from many sources. It is refreshing to see things from the Bible, Buddha, and Lao Tzu not contrasting each other, but illustrating points and guiding toward conflict resolution. The text also includes examples based on General Robert E. Lee, Fourth Geneva Convention, a sermon delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in 1957, George Washington, Robert Gates to the U.S. Congress in 2007, Henry David Thoreau, mathematics professor and investment trader Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Yamamoto Tsunetomo's Hagakure, and many more. These examples and illustrations of lessons and principles help with the study and application of "The Art of War" to other areas than only military strategy.
This is important, because while many readers of this text will benefit in areas other than in the military. While I first studied "The Art of War" while in the U.S. Army, I study it now for different reasons. It is a text that not only can help the military person, but any person who deals with conflict. And we all face conflict!
Sun Tzu's teachings are effective in all conflict, not only war. This new translation, with the annotations and explanations will allow any reader, from those with no previous knowledge of "The Art of War" to those who have studied multiple volumes, to learn and apply Sun Tzu's sage advice. It is very insightful and will not only help with your understanding and application of the ancient text, but will provide you with guidance to prevent and resolve conflicts in your own life.
If you want to study conflict resolution through a book about war. This is the text for you. If you have never read "The Art of War," this is a good book to start your studies. It is clear, easy to read, and contains excellent annotations to apply the lessons to your life. If you are a student of "The Art of War," this is a must add to your collection. You will find it an informative and refreshing look at this classic manual. I am very happy that I decided to purchase yet another volume. Its practical and pragmatic guidance has broadened my understanding of "The Art of War," and more importantly has helped me bring these ancient lessons into my conflict resolution practice. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author, speaker
Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and The Lock On Joint Locking series, and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer
Sunday, April 06, 2008
The Japanese Samurai Code - review by Alain Burrese
"The Japanese Samurai Code: Classic Strategies for Success" by Boye Lafayette De Mente opens with "Bushido, the ethical system of Japan's famous samurai class, which ruled the country from 1192 until 1868, eventually came to encompass every aspect of the lives of the people - their philosophical and spiritual beliefs, their etiquette, their family life, their dress, their work, their aesthetic sense, even their recreation."
In this book, De Mente attempts to identify the positive factors in Bushido that were primarily responsible for the astounding economic success of the Japanese, and still today play a vital role in their economic prowess.
For anyone who wants to succeed with dealings with Japanese businesses, or who has an interest in applying the character traits in the samurai code of ethics to enhance their own personal skills and performance, this book will be an enjoyable read and an interesting success manual.
The book has 59 short chapters, making it very easy to read and digest. Each lesson could be pondered for a much greater length of time than it takes to read the short chapter. For those interested in the Japanese language as well as cultural and historical references, you will be happy to see the Japanese for each of the titles and concepts presented in these chapters too.
Some of the topics covered:
The Spirit That Motivates the Japanese: Nihonjin no Seishin
Power of the Right Mental Attitude: Tadashii Kangaekata no Pawaa
Taking the Best & Leaving the Rest: Shusha Sentaku no "Myou"
Failure is Not an Option: Shippai wa Yurusarenai
The Power of Extreme Diligence: Osokubeki Nihonjin no Kinben
The Samurai Work Ethic: Bushi no Roudoh Rinri
The Word of a Samurai: Bushi no Ichi-gon
The Do or Die Factor: Inochigake no Seichin
Adjusting to Change: Henka ni Taiou
The Right Thing the Right Way!: Subete ni Jouseki ari
Boye Lafayette De Mente has been involved with Japan, Korea, and China since the late 1940s and is the author of more than 30 books on these three countries. I have enjoyed a number of his books, and this one especially so.
I too study the ancient warriors from Korea, Japan, and China and I am grateful to people like De Mente who have enabled me to learn about these countries in English. As a martial artist, former soldier with the U.S. Army, and someone who follows and teaches not only the physical skills of self-defense, but also the warrior traditions and philosophies, I found this book extremely valuable not only to help improve my own skills to succeed in personal and business endeavors, but also to study, apply and assist with my own personal warrior philosophy and teachings.
When the samurai entered battle, their goal was to win. Bushido skills will contribute to your success and help you win at life. Study and apply the lessons in The Japanese Samurai Code and you'll see how far the classic strategies for success will take you.
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author, speaker
Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and The Lock On Joint Locking series, and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer
In this book, De Mente attempts to identify the positive factors in Bushido that were primarily responsible for the astounding economic success of the Japanese, and still today play a vital role in their economic prowess.
For anyone who wants to succeed with dealings with Japanese businesses, or who has an interest in applying the character traits in the samurai code of ethics to enhance their own personal skills and performance, this book will be an enjoyable read and an interesting success manual.
The book has 59 short chapters, making it very easy to read and digest. Each lesson could be pondered for a much greater length of time than it takes to read the short chapter. For those interested in the Japanese language as well as cultural and historical references, you will be happy to see the Japanese for each of the titles and concepts presented in these chapters too.
Some of the topics covered:
The Spirit That Motivates the Japanese: Nihonjin no Seishin
Power of the Right Mental Attitude: Tadashii Kangaekata no Pawaa
Taking the Best & Leaving the Rest: Shusha Sentaku no "Myou"
Failure is Not an Option: Shippai wa Yurusarenai
The Power of Extreme Diligence: Osokubeki Nihonjin no Kinben
The Samurai Work Ethic: Bushi no Roudoh Rinri
The Word of a Samurai: Bushi no Ichi-gon
The Do or Die Factor: Inochigake no Seichin
Adjusting to Change: Henka ni Taiou
The Right Thing the Right Way!: Subete ni Jouseki ari
Boye Lafayette De Mente has been involved with Japan, Korea, and China since the late 1940s and is the author of more than 30 books on these three countries. I have enjoyed a number of his books, and this one especially so.
I too study the ancient warriors from Korea, Japan, and China and I am grateful to people like De Mente who have enabled me to learn about these countries in English. As a martial artist, former soldier with the U.S. Army, and someone who follows and teaches not only the physical skills of self-defense, but also the warrior traditions and philosophies, I found this book extremely valuable not only to help improve my own skills to succeed in personal and business endeavors, but also to study, apply and assist with my own personal warrior philosophy and teachings.
When the samurai entered battle, their goal was to win. Bushido skills will contribute to your success and help you win at life. Study and apply the lessons in The Japanese Samurai Code and you'll see how far the classic strategies for success will take you.
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author, speaker
Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and The Lock On Joint Locking series, and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer
