The Commandant’s reading list presents a list of books that he finds would be beneficial in the becoming of various levels of Marines. Being a Junior Marine, my books come off of the “Primary Level” list. To me, each book that I have read off of this list thus far could be beneficial to Marines of all levels in some way. This was the case specifically with the latest book I read, The Art of War by Sun Tzu.
Sun Tzu, born in 496 BC, was a high-ranking Military General and was also considered a master of strategy, he took his learnings and knowledge and condensed them into a book in 510 BC. This book has had many translations to the English language, but each version has repeating main points these points being broken down into 13 chapters- each …show more content…
Sun Tzu is very clear in his point that he considers long wars to be unnecessary… saying they should be quick and to the point. He quotes, "No long war ever profited any country: 100 victories in 100 battles is simply ridiculous. Anyone who excels in defeating his enemies triumphs before his enemy's threats become real". Once a war has been going on for a bit, both sides become more… predictable. In Chapter 1 he provides a prevention tactic, “War is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when we are far away, we must make him believe we are near.” One of the main things that we are taught starting back all the way in boot camp is to expect the unexpected and not only that but to go into any situation with a warrior ethos- being ready to fight at any moment. This ties into my next …show more content…
He has a quote that puts perspective into this; “So it is said that if you know others and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know others but know yourself, you win one and lose one; if you do not know others and do not know yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.” By knowing yourself, as well as the others around you, you are taking into account your weaknesses and strengths alongside your team’s weaknesses and strengths and seeing how you can mesh them together to create a sturdy group of warfighters. Often times, we go out into situations without understanding the full concept of what we are up against, it is vital when you are faced with conflict that you remember your own strengths as well as opponents to keep you from being in a situation out of your
Sun Tzu, born in 496 BC, was a high-ranking Military General and was also considered a master of strategy, he took his learnings and knowledge and condensed them into a book in 510 BC. This book has had many translations to the English language, but each version has repeating main points these points being broken down into 13 chapters- each …show more content…
Sun Tzu is very clear in his point that he considers long wars to be unnecessary… saying they should be quick and to the point. He quotes, "No long war ever profited any country: 100 victories in 100 battles is simply ridiculous. Anyone who excels in defeating his enemies triumphs before his enemy's threats become real". Once a war has been going on for a bit, both sides become more… predictable. In Chapter 1 he provides a prevention tactic, “War is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when we are far away, we must make him believe we are near.” One of the main things that we are taught starting back all the way in boot camp is to expect the unexpected and not only that but to go into any situation with a warrior ethos- being ready to fight at any moment. This ties into my next …show more content…
He has a quote that puts perspective into this; “So it is said that if you know others and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know others but know yourself, you win one and lose one; if you do not know others and do not know yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.” By knowing yourself, as well as the others around you, you are taking into account your weaknesses and strengths alongside your team’s weaknesses and strengths and seeing how you can mesh them together to create a sturdy group of warfighters. Often times, we go out into situations without understanding the full concept of what we are up against, it is vital when you are faced with conflict that you remember your own strengths as well as opponents to keep you from being in a situation out of your