One of the most important strategy manuals ever published, Chinese general Sun Tzu's The Art of War has also been used as a guide to modern business, giving executives an insight into the vital importance of tactics and preparation. Sun Tzu's thoughts on how to wage war rationally—and above all, successfully—focus on advance planning, securing better sources of information than your opponent, and a flexible strategy. He concludes that in the end a decision not to take military action can be every bit as effective as triumphing on the battlefield. The very best way to win a war is not to fight at all.