The Art of War. Dao De Jing

«The Art of War. Dao De Jing» — is a book about strategy, management, and ancient Chinese philosophy. In one edition, two foundational treatises of Eastern thought are combined: Sun Tzu formulates the principles of warfare and the calculation of forces, while Laozi addresses the ideas of Dao, non-action, and inner measure. This collection is chosen when a direct acquaintance with classical sources is needed, which have influenced concepts of power, decision-making, discipline, and the relationship between strength and flexibility for centuries.

The collection unites two different, yet largely overlapping views on action and choice. In «The Art of War», Sun Tzu discusses strategy, tactics, calculation, the role of the commander, self-knowledge and knowledge of the opponent, the choice of time and terrain, discipline, and the cost of military conflict. For him, victory is not about force at any cost, but about an accurate assessment of circumstances and the ability to avoid unnecessary losses.

«Dao De Jing» by Laozi pertains to philosophy and the Daoist tradition. The book contains aphoristic and poetic fragments about the Way and Virtue, soft power, the natural course of things, and non-action. Alongside the treatise on military art, this text provides a different perspective: not pressure, but measure; not direct coercion, but alignment with the order of the world.