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  • The 33 Strategies of War

  • By: Robert Greene
  • Narrated by: Don Leslie
  • Length: 10 hrs and 1 min
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (126 ratings)
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The 33 Strategies of War

By: Robert Greene
Narrated by: Don Leslie
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Summary

Spanning world civilizations, synthesizing dozens of political, philosophical, and religious texts and thousands of years of violent conflict, The 33 Strategies of War is a comprehensive guide to the subtle social games of everyday life, informed by the most ingenious and effective military principles in war. Structured in Greene's trademark style, The 33 Strategies of War is the I Ching of conflict, the contemporary companion to Sun Tzu's The Art of War.

Abundantly illustrated with examples from history, including the folly and genius of everyone from Napoleon to Margaret Thatcher, Shaka the Zulu to Lord Nelson, Hannibal to Ulysses S. Grant, as well as movie moguls, Samurai swordsmen, and diplomats, each of the 33 chapters outlines a strategy that will help you win life's wars. Learn the offensive strategies that require you to maintain the initiative and negotiate from a position of strength, or the defensive strategies designed to help you respond to dangerous situations and avoid unwinnable wars.

The great warriors of battlefields and drawing rooms alike demonstrate prudence, agility, balance, and calm - and a keen understanding that the rational, resourceful, and intuitive always defeat the panicked, the uncreative, and the stupid. An indispensable guide, The 33 Strategies of War provides all the psychological ammunition you will need to overcome patterns of failure and forever gain the upper hand.

Listen to the companion audiobook, The 48 Laws of Power.
©2006 Robert Greene and Joost Elffers (P)2007 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"Greene's compendium offers inspiration and entertainment in equal measure." (Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about The 33 Strategies of War

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good read

I liked this and it's interesting to listen to. However, the examples are extremely old and it would have been nice if more modern examples were included. Nevertheless it was a really good audiobook.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Life changer

Truly well thought out and written.It is a life changer and one of the books that must be read more than once

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Masterclass in strategic thinking.

Robert Greene's '33 Strategies of War' is a masterclass in strategic thinking. The book is a captivating exploration of timeless principles that transcend the battlefield and offer profound insights into navigating the challenges of life. Greene's writing is both compelling and enlightening, making this a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of strategy, leadership, and human behavior. Each strategy is backed by historical examples and presented with clarity, making it not just a book but a strategic guide that resonates across various aspects of life. An exceptional read that deserves a permanent spot on your bookshelf.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of my favourites!

Would you listen to The 33 Strategies of War again? Why?

This is a must have book. Truly wonderful historical examples of clearly described principles for success (and failure).

What was one of the most memorable moments of The 33 Strategies of War?

I love the chapter by chapter subjects and examples.

Which character – as performed by Don Leslie – was your favourite?

All

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me full of wonder and admiration for the historical characters referenced in each chapter.

Any additional comments?

This is absolutely essential for anyone who likes to learn about history, and especially to learn lessons from historical successes and failures. It only touches lightly on most historical examples, so its not intended as a historical textbook, but it beautifully highlights the lessons that could and should be learnt form the past.

I recommend this book to my friends in person a lot (and Robert Greenes other books too).

I own this book in print also (about 8 years ago I read it several times)

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Riveting.

What made the experience of listening to The 33 Strategies of War the most enjoyable?

It was like listening to multiple amazing books.

What did you like best about this story?

It was consistent through out regardless of the various wars and main characters. It flowed really well.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Played it whilst out and indoors. Really enjoyed it.

Any additional comments?

I have Mastery - the laws of power and 33 strategies of war.
I may skip the art of seduction though.

Buy this book.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant! Simple.

What made the experience of listening to The 33 Strategies of War the most enjoyable?

The short bite size chunks and the references thereafter.

Any additional comments?

I've a few of these books and have to say the format works for me.

I have them, which is rare for me as I struggle to read due to PTSD, in hard copy and each chapter is covered in scribbles and notes.

I'm also a former soldier and find this a great way to translate the startegic and tactical theories into my entrepreneur life.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great advice and history

So much to take in, will be listening more than once. Great book for many applications.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Lots of assumption

Listen to a Sample before purchase.

Take all of the interesting and brilliant strategies from history, wrap them up in simplistic assumption and then drown them with modern day references and you'd have a better book than this.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Strategy 34: Quit whilst you're ahead

What disappointed you about The 33 Strategies of War?

OK I'm only an hour in out of ten... But...This is an abridged version. Following the book on Kindle whilst listening to the audio shows that a quantity (hard to judge whether that's many or a few at this stage) of the anecdotes and examples have been omitted. This means much of the texture is missing, and what remains feels like a relentless, leaden self help book.

What was most disappointing about Robert Greene’s story?

N/A

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator has a good voice but it doesn't seem to suit the content. I can hear Evan Davies (BBC radio 4 and tv) reading the book and it being far more engaging, lighter, enquiring.With the narrator chosen for this (together with the omission of some of the real life examples) I feel like I'm being brain washed rather than hearing some interesting ideas.

What character would you cut from The 33 Strategies of War?

N/A

Any additional comments?

I was a little annoyed that at the start of the book the snare drum motif (it's got war in the title remember) keeps going for two and a half minutes under the narration. A very distracting rat a tat that gets things off on the wrong foot.

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1 person found this helpful