虚构或半虚构的故事和现实部分就像阴和阳——中国古代哲学的两大基本原则。本书就为大家呈现了这样两种风格的故事——“中国神话”和“三十六计”。这里的“神话故事”描述了人们对自身起源、祖先、历史以及神祗的古老信仰。而“三十六计”则集合了古人在战场上使用的谋略和计策。今天，许多中国人将这些计策运用到政治、商业、体育以及日常生活中去。

Fictional or semi-fictional stories and practical concepts are like yin and yang, the two fundamental principles of ancient Chinese philosophy. In this book, we present just such yin and yang, namely, “Chinese Mythology” and the "Thirty-Six Stratagems."

The mythology here describes ancient beliefs in origins, ancestors, history and deities. On the other hand, the "Thirty-Six Stratagems" were originally a collection of strategies or practical ruses for warfare. But today, many Chinese people apply them to politics, business, sports as well as their daily life.