Ralph D. Sawyer Knihy

Wang Čen uvažoval nad otázkami: jak můžeme najít pravý pacifismus, takový, který ukončí konflikty, dříve než začnou? Jsme vůbec schopni napravit své sebedestruktivní tendence? Pro odpovědi se obrátil k pozoruhodnému zdroji: nebyly to teorie o lidské přirozenosti a vláda konfucionismu a buddhismu, které převládaly, ale Tao-te-ťing, který jako filozofický pilíř taoismu po více než tisíc let byl často považován za mystický, kvietistický a nihilistický, ale Wang Čen v něm objevil kosmologickou oporu pro model lidské společnosti a pro vysvětlení dynamických konfliktů. Jak Wang Čen přijímal jeho model, uvěřil, že může vést k pravému posílení každodenního světa politické reality.

Finally available in paperback, Ralph D. Sawyers incomparable study of ancient Chinese warfare

One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies was compiled in the fifteenth century, during the Ming Dynasty, as a handbook of tactics based on Chinese military classics. Translated into English for the first time, this unique work draws on over two thousand years of experience in warfare to present a distillation of one hundred key strategic principles. Originally prepared as a text for students aspiring to high political positions in Confucian China, One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies is a compendium of Oriental strategies concisely stated and each individually illustrated with a description of battle from Chinese history. These historical examples shed new light on the often enigmatic formulations of the ancient strategists on subjects such as Strategic Power, Defense, Vacuity, Spirit, and Victory. Acclaimed translator and Chinese military specialist Ralph Sawyer adds his own thoughtful commentary, deepening the reader's understanding of the intricacies of Chinese strategic thought.

Exploring the rich tradition of espionage in ancient China, the book delves into theoretical military manuals and historical developments that shaped spycraft. It covers a wide range of topics, including recruitment, covert tactics like assassination and subversion, and counter-intelligence. The narrative highlights the historical impact of spies, their ruthless strategies, and their role in the rise of the Ch'in dynasty. Additionally, it connects these ancient practices to modern espionage methods used by contemporary Chinese intelligence operations globally.

The definitive translation of Sun-tzu's timeless classic on military strategy has profoundly influenced the history of warfare. The principles outlined by Sun-tzu have been effectively employed by renowned Asian military leaders such as Mao Tse-tung and Yamamoto. First translated two centuries ago by a French missionary, this work has shaped the strategies of historical figures like Napoleon and the German General Staff, and it even informed planning for Desert Storm. In Japan, it is required reading for key executives, and Western businesspeople increasingly turn to it for insights on succeeding in competitive environments. Unlike many existing editions, often based on flawed translations, this version utilizes the best classical Chinese manuscripts, including the ancient "tomb text" discovered in Linyi, China. Ralph Sawyer, a distinguished scholar of ancient Chinese warfare and a successful businessman, contextualizes this classic work, detailing the historical backdrop of Sun-tzu's era and notable battles that may have influenced him. While acknowledging the philosophical depth of the text, this edition emphasizes its practical origins, offering an accurate and accessible translation for contemporary readers.