I received this book as a Christmas present with the words "This book changed my life." Not knowing quite what to make of this, I was interested in seeing exactly what was so "life changing". I would soon learn, through the words of Master Sun and many of the great ancient Chinese philosophers the way of combat. Not just in the physical sense but in an overwhelming worldliness. Thomas Cleary breaks down of each philosophers thoughts and interpretations of Sun Tzu's teachings, into a concise and easy to read and manner. It is quite possible and satisfactory for a reader to just accept this as a combat manual and nothing more, but for the deeper thinker, the words of Master Sun and his followers can be a fundamental grounding for the challenges and conflicts we face in our everyday lives. Thanks J.