‘The Art of War’ by Sun Tzu is a timeless classic that has guided strategists, leaders, and those just trying to win an argument with their roommate for over two thousand years. With its wise teachings on warfare, leadership, and the art of outsmarting your opponents without even lifting a sword (or a remote), this ancient Chinese text is as relevant today as it was in 500 BC. It’s not just for military generals – whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or simply trying to navigate office politics, Sun Tzu’s strategies have something for everyone.
In the spirit of ‘The Art of War’, here is a list of similar books that dive deep into strategy, leadership, and how to stay one step ahead of your rivals (or friends). From Machiavelli’s ruthless political advice in ’The Prince’ to Robert Greene’s crafty ‘48 Laws of Power’, these works offer lessons on how to survive and thrive in competitive environments. Let’s face it: life’s a battlefield, and these books will help you come out on top – without breaking a sweat.
Contents
The Prince
Author: Niccolò Machiavelli
Year of Publication: 1532
Summary: Think of this as the ultimate guide for power-hungry politicians or anyone trying to win at office politics. Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’ is full of realpolitik advice, urging leaders to be cunning, manipulative, and not afraid to get their hands a little dirty to maintain control. It’s basically the ancient world’s version of “work smarter, not harder” (but with a lot more scheming).
A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy
Author: Miyamoto Musashi
Year of Publication: 1645
Summary: Written by one of Japan’s most legendary swordsmen, Musashi’s ‘A Book of Five Rings’ is all about discipline, adaptability, and winning without hesitation. It’s the perfect read for anyone who’s ever wanted to wield a sword – or at least wield some seriously sharp strategies in life or business.
On War
Author: Carl von Clausewitz
Year of Publication: 1832
Summary: Clausewitz breaks down war into its political and strategic components in ‘On War’, famously coining the phrase “war is the continuation of politics by other means.” So if you’ve ever wondered why your boardroom feels like a battlefield, Clausewitz has you covered. His theories are still studied today by military strategists and people who want to win every argument.
Tao Te Ching
Author: Lao Tzu
Year of Publication: 6th century BC (approx.)
Summary: If Sun Tzu had a more philosophical, chilled-out sibling, it would be Lao Tzu and his ‘Tao Te Ching’. This book is less about fighting your enemies and more about finding balance in life and leadership. Ideal for anyone needing to take a breath, align with nature, and avoid unnecessary conflict (or just survive that Monday morning meeting).
The 48 Laws of Power
Author: Robert Greene
Year of Publication: 1998
Summary: Robert Greene might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but his ‘48 Laws of Power’ is a masterclass in getting ahead. Whether it’s knowing when to speak up or when to shut up, this book is packed with laws on how to win at the power game – perfect for those wanting to level up their career, relationships, or dinner-party debates.
The 33 Strategies of War
Author: Robert Greene
Year of Publication: 2006
Summary: Greene is back at it again with ‘The 33 Strategies of War’, mixing military wisdom with everyday applications. This book isn’t just for generals – it’s for anyone who’s ever had to navigate a tricky situation (or a tricky coworker). With strategies from ancient battles and modern tactics, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of self-defence, but for your mind.
The Art of War
Author: Niccolò Machiavelli
Year of Publication: 1521
Summary: While we already have one ‘Art of War’, Machiavelli’s take offers a more hands-on approach to military structure and battlefield tactics. Less philosophy, more action. If you’ve ever wondered how to best organise your troops – or your to-do list – this version will get you thinking more like a general.
The Republic
Author: Plato
Year of Publication: Around 375 BC
Summary: Plato’s ‘The Republic’ tackles justice, governance, and the nature of an ideal society. It’s less about strategy and more about big ideas. But hey, if you’re looking for some philosophical insight into the workings of human nature and power, Plato’s got your back.
The Face of Battle: A study of Agincourt, Waterloo and the Somme
Author: John Keegan
Year of Publication: 1976
Summary: In ’The Face of Battle’, Keegan takes a deep dive into the human experience of combat by analysing historical battles from the perspective of the soldiers. It’s raw, real, and shows that sometimes, war isn’t just about tactics – it’s about surviving the chaos of the battlefield.
Strategy
Author: B.H. Liddell Hart
Year of Publication: 1954
Summary: Hart’s ‘Strategy’ offers a masterclass in indirect warfare, focusing on how to outmanoeuvre opponents rather than confront them head-on. His lessons have influenced modern military doctrine, and they’re just as useful if you’re trying to win a negotiation or avoid conflict at work (or with your significant other).
And that concludes this list. If you’ve noticed that these books were all published a rather long time ago (except for a couple from the last century, and a surprising 2006), then bonus points for you! We can happily take that as a testament to the lack of wars after globalisation, but we know we’re wrong. That’s okay, though, for now.
From the cutthroat advice of Machiavelli to the spiritual guidance of Lao Tzu, these books provide an array of strategies to help you succeed in the battlefields of life – whether that’s the boardroom, the classroom, or just your daily commute. If you’ve ever found yourself needing a little more wisdom, a bit of strategy, or just a clever way to win an argument, these books are the perfect companions.
If you find it difficult to sit down and read these books and make sense of them, don’t worry – Wizdom has your back. With Wizdom, you’ll get bite-sized, powerful summaries and audio works of all these works and more, so you can level up your strategic thinking without breaking a sweat. Ready to become the Sun Tzu of your own life? Dive into these classics today with Wizdom!
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