Tim O'Brien'sThe Things They Carried
Study Guide
for The Art of War by Sun Tzu
1.
Sun Tzu’s The Art of War was written 2,500 years ago in ancient China.
However, its principles are still valid and useful today. What other
ancient texts or ideas do we rely on for advice and guidance in today’s
world? How do they compare with Sun Tzu’s work?
2. Discuss how improvements in technology changed The Art of War since ancient China. Do these new weapons invalidate Sun Tzu’s principles of The Art of War?
3. Discuss ways in which the American and Chinese views of life differ. How are these reflected in art and ways of life?
4. How have Sun Tzu’s strategies in The Art of War been adopted by American business? Identify which particular strategies would benefit business practices.
5. Discuss Sun Tzu’s principles: “the essence of war is dislocating the enemy psychologically, then dominating him;” “he whose ranks are united in purpose will be victorious;” and “agitate your enemy and ascertain the pattern of his movement, determine his position and so ascertain the field of battle, probe him and learn where his strength is abundant and where it is deficient.” Explain how these ideas help in a war and in other aspects of life.
6. Discuss the barriers that prevent Westerners from truly understanding the Asian culture. Why do you think people need to bridge the gap of cultural understanding now more than ever? What are some ways each culture can come to better understand the other?
2. Discuss how improvements in technology changed The Art of War since ancient China. Do these new weapons invalidate Sun Tzu’s principles of The Art of War?
3. Discuss ways in which the American and Chinese views of life differ. How are these reflected in art and ways of life?
4. How have Sun Tzu’s strategies in The Art of War been adopted by American business? Identify which particular strategies would benefit business practices.
5. Discuss Sun Tzu’s principles: “the essence of war is dislocating the enemy psychologically, then dominating him;” “he whose ranks are united in purpose will be victorious;” and “agitate your enemy and ascertain the pattern of his movement, determine his position and so ascertain the field of battle, probe him and learn where his strength is abundant and where it is deficient.” Explain how these ideas help in a war and in other aspects of life.
6. Discuss the barriers that prevent Westerners from truly understanding the Asian culture. Why do you think people need to bridge the gap of cultural understanding now more than ever? What are some ways each culture can come to better understand the other?