Sonshi.com: How did you first learn about Sun Tzu's Art of War. What is it about his book you found enlightening?

Tan: I learned about Sun Zi's art of war when I was in secondary school in Singapore in 1950s. I have seriously studied this book since 1992.

This book is so enlightening because most of the things Sun Zi said make good sense. It is very elegantly put, so succinct and coherent. The beauty is that what he said is still relevant in today's society. The thirteen chapters cover all the essentials of war strategy. The principles expounded have been time-tested. The immortal words of Sun Zi still echo loud and clear: "Know yourself and understand your enemy and your victory in any battle will not be in jeopardy."

Sonshi.com: You have a new Art of War translation available. Why did you decide to translate the book, and what distinguishes your translation from the many out there?

Tan: I read one English translation previously and I found the book very boring and heavy going. So I decided to read the Chinese text myself. The original Chinese text is in Classical Chinese (wen yan wen) and is very challenging. I persisted by reading the annotations from the ten scholars. Finally I put pen to paper and saved the translation in my computer. I was encouraged by my taiji students and close friends to publish the book. I am really glad that I did it.

Every version of Sun Zi's book simply reflects the nuanced knowledge of the translator. I don't believe there is a definitive translation. Hence, I like to share my translation and viewpoint with the readers. I try not to fall into the common trap of doing a literal translation of Sun Zi's work. I study the texts hundreds of times and attempt to put the translation in the right context. I pay great attention to authenticity, clarity and coherence. Although I read between the lines, I try to avoid doing 'the line by line translation'. I try to paraphrase the sentences and hopefully make the work readable but retain the essence of what I think Sun Zi is expounding.

Sonshi.com: As introduction to your Art of War translation, you offered two caveats: "Firstly, this is definitely not a get-rich-quick book and if you happen to enrich yourself after reading this, it is purely coincidental. The second caveat is that if you are looking for something extraordinary or cryptic, you will be very disappointed." Would you mind explaining to us why you mentioned them?

Tan: It is definitely a tongue-in-cheek comment. The conventional wisdom is if you want to be successful and famous, you write a get-rich-quick book. I am definitely not well-qualified to do that. So I pass.

Enrichment to me means personal growth, self actualisation etc. If by reading my book, one learns to be more circumspect, more able to make better decision and judgment, one has enriched oneself.

Human beings tend to look for complicated solutions, searching for something deep or profound and forgetting about the elegance of simplicity. Sun Zi's wisdom is common sense, pure and simple. If the readers are looking for something profound, I respectfully suggest that they would have missed the most salient points. The principles are simple and elegantly put.

Sonshi.com: How do you think Sun Tzu's Art of War is being used currently in business? From your experience, is it being applied correctly in business?

Tan: I think most business men are very smart and they understand that in order to survive in the competitive markets they have to be good competitors. The five pivotal factors of success are so well known. 5 Pivotal Factors: Dao (Morality) Climatic factors (Timing/Prevailing Condition) Terrain (Environment or operating milieu) Stewardship (Qualities of the leader) Institutional Structure. Most business people understand these factors very well.

I have met a lot of good business men that make good intuitive decisions without reading the art of war. But I think if they have studied the book, they can definitely make better decisions.

Sonshi.com: Would you mind sharing with us an example/incident of when the book helped you in your business and/or personal life?

Tan: I treat the book as the book of life strategy. In life, we are making a lot of important decisions covering every aspect of life every single day (from buying a book, a car to children's education etc.).

I am still actively practising as a General Practitioner (called Primary Physician in other countries) in Brisbane and I also enjoy translating Chinese Classics. Instead of going cap in hand to look for a publisher, I became a self-publisher: Sun Zi's the art of war and The wisdom of Lao Zi - Dao De Jing are the two books that are available in most bookshops in Australia. I talked to people who have bought and read my book and listened to their views and criticism. It is such a unique experience.

I think I have got my balance just right in life. I try to use my study of Sun Zi's the art of war to enrich my life: learning to more circumspect and optimistic whenever I confront with any problems.

Sonshi.com: As you mentioned, you have also translated the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. What do you think are the major similarities (or differences) between the Tao Te Ching and The Art of War?

Tan: If the book the art of war teaches us about life strategy, Tao Te Ching helps us to define the meaning of life. How can you have a life strategy without knowing what your objective is? Most people seek happiness in their life. Success in life may or may not bring your happiness, but you need a good philosophy in life to keep yourself in touch with reality and learn how to be content. Tao Te Ching is the book for everyone, I sincerely believe this.

Sonshi.com: Would you recommend teaching children Sun Tzu's Art of War?

Tan: Definitely, teaching children to think, to strategise and to plan is liking teaching people how to fish, they will have fish to eat all their lives.

[End of interview]

If you live in Australia, please go to the link below to purchase Dr. Tan's book. Otherwise you may read his translation free of charge here.