The 33 Strategies of War

The 33 Strategies of War is a self-help book published in 2006 by the American writer Robert Greene. Its premise is to carry strategies drawn from a wide range of historical figures and situations into everyday life, applying them to social conflicts such as family disputes or business negotiations.

The book has met with very mixed reception. The Independent regarded Greene as a sort of "modern Machiavelli", though it doubted whether he truly believed what he wrote or was simply writing for profit, and described the whole enterprise as somewhat less than adult. Admiral James G. Stavridis praised its breadth but found it lacking in depth. The leadership theorist John Adair faulted it for assuming that military strategy and the art of living are comparable. Booklist found it repetitive and its quasi-spiritual tone irritating. Despite such criticism, it has sold more than 200,000 copies, and NBA player Chris Bosh has named it among his favourite books.