"Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys;"

I used to wonder why this book was so popular especially among professionals and entrepreneurs. I thought it was just a fictitious war account until I saw a former co-worker reading it which piqued my interest to at least see what the deal was.

First, "The Art of War." Was first written by the Chinese strategist Sun Tzu over 2,500 years ago and to my surprise I found out that it had applications to developing a strategic approach towards life especially for leaders and business professionals, thanks to Lionel Giles who did a good job in translating in a way that's accessible to modern readers.

Without going into too much detail and spoiling the read for some, “The Art of War” focuses on having strategy, efficiency, and adaptability. It's not just about warfare but also the art of diplomacy, decision-making, and leadership. Sun Tzu argues that the best victories are those where no actual fighting occurs because the situation has been strategically managed to avoid conflict.

I learned that the most important thing is to know myself as an individual, my strengths and weaknesses and then next to know those of my enemy or challenge. It is only then that a good strategy and an efficient plan can be developed.

In the business world the lessons learned from this book can help with navigating the modern corporate battlefield or venture into entrepreneurship, Sun Tzu's principles of strategy, adaptability, and efficiency can be game changers.

Lessons from “The Art of War” can also have applications in negotiating a job offer, a business deal, or any situation where stakes are high, understanding tactics and strategies can provide an edge.

It does not end there even in normal and common situations the lessons can aid in personal growth resulting in a better awareness of self, adaptability, and decision-making that often are failing in most persons. Relationships can also benefit from applying the lessons learned from reading “The Art of War”.

In closing I would like to emphasise that "The Art of War" is not just about warfare. It's a profound text on strategy, leadership, and human behaviour. Lionel Giles' translation captures Sun Tzu's wisdom, making it digestible for the contemporary reader like me. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, starting a business, or just navigating life's challenges, there's something in this book for you.