The European Art of War

Since the dawn of time, man has had a need to develop and implement strategy in order to be more effective. Throughout different cycles of human history, different sages have put to text their theories on strategy. From ancient times until now strategy has been the most important leverage for mankind against inclement nature, beasts, and even other men.Wise men have always understood that there must be a balance between the higher and the lower self in man. The Italian statesman and scholar of power, Machiavelli, said in the prince that law is fit for men and violence is fit for beasts.This basic truth was understood by our ancestors in high antiquity. A look back at our own mythological origins demonstrates this knowledge.In the earliest western civilization's we're greeted with images like the minotaur. Half man, half beast - this mythological creature represented the fundamental dichotomy of human power. The foundation myths of the earliest human civilizations are replete with allegory of future Kings being suckled, raised and instructed by these creatures.In any age including our own, man necessarily exists in the twilight between brutality and wisdom. In this book will explore the concepts of power as laid out in European works on strategy and war from Xenophon, as early as 300 years before Christ to Von Clausewitz in the 19th century.The truths and wisdom to be had from the great masters of strategy European strategy throughtout the ages are as applicable today, and in your own daily life as they were on the battlefield more than 2,000 years ago.It's my great hope that you'll be able to glean the eternal truths laid out before you in this book.Wisdom is like a pyramid. At the lower levels it becomes more and more complicated, with more and more stones. As you ascend to higher towards the truth, things become more simple, more clear, a more unified. One of the great truths of life is that everything which rises must converge. . . until reaching the Capstone, the singular, overwhelming clarity of truth.Includes Selections From: Clauewitz Book 3: Of Strategy In GeneralBaron De Jomini: The Art Of WarSextus Julius Frontinus: The StrategemataFlavius Vegetius Renatus: De Re MilitariMarshal Herman Maurice De Saxe: Reveries On The Art Of WarXenophon: The Cavalry General