Aiming High Series: The Thirty-Six Stratagems in Pictures

The Thirty-Six Stratagems are a distillation of the practical lessons learned from countless wars throughout Chinese history. Hailed as a classic of military strategy and cunning, each stratagem embodies profound wisdom and rich ideas. Originally used only in warfare, the Thirty-Six Stratagems gradually found their way into everyday life and became closely intertwined with the lives of ordinary people. Military strategists use them to plan campaigns, politicians to maneuver in the corridors of power, and businesspeople to gain a competitive edge and profit. Ordinary people use them to navigate relationships and conduct themselves in the world. People from all walks of life can draw on the insights that suit their needs and apply them to every aspect of social life.

This illustrated guide to the Thirty-Six Stratagems consists of five parts: the meaning of each stratagem’s name, the original text, annotations, stories, and key insights. The explanations of the names are clear and easy to understand, bringing out the bold spirit of pressing forward and the strategic wisdom embodied in each stratagem. The annotations vividly and accurately convey the original work’s meaning and character. The stories are lively and entertaining, with sweeping scenes that showcase the ingenious ways people in ancient times used the Thirty-Six Stratagems.