As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a big fan of reading historical material. Many people discount history as something that can’t apply to the present day. How can the lessons of 500 years ago apply to modern business? Well, as much as technology might change with time, people are still surprisingly similar.
This means that a thoughtful insight into the human condition that was made hundreds or thousands of years ago can still apply today. Sun Tzu has been translated into a number of languages, and has been become better known as a business reference than a war text, because Sun Tzu’s insights can be easily applied to the world of business, and are at least as important today as they were when they were first written.
So, put down that book on the latest management trend, and look into history. You’ll be surprised at the wisdom that our past has to offer.
Originally posted on May 28, 2006 @ 9:45 am