What is The Art of War

Posted on 10/16/202312/05/2023 by Ann Harris

The Art of War, also known as Wu Sun Tzu’s Art of War, Sun Tzu’s Art of War, was written by Sun Wu. Sun Wu, the word Changqing, the end of the Spring and Autumn Period, Qi state, from Qi state exile to the state of Wu, to assist the king of Wu state military, famous lords, was honored as “the Sage of War”. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is regarded as “the sacred text of military science” and “the first book of military science in ancient times”. It played an extremely important guiding role in China’s ancient military science and war practice.

The Art of War is the earliest existing book on military affairs, which has been highly respected and studied by many people. All thirteen articles, each of which begins with “Sun Tzu said”, according to the topic of the argument, there is a center, there are levels, logical and rigorous, concise language, simple style, make good use of platitudes laying out the narrative, vivid and specific metaphors.

“The art of war is the most important matter of the state, the place of death and life, and the way of survival and death, and it must not be ignored.” Sun Tzu The Art of War inherits and develops the military theory of the predecessors, takes politics as the primary factor to decide whether to win or lose the war, summarizes the principle principle of war, cites the preparation before the war, the use of strategy, the deployment of the battle, the enemy’s research and judgement, etc., and explains it in detail, exhaustive, circumscribed and complete, with simple materialistic dialectical thinking, for more than 2000 years, it has always been regarded as the classic of the military school, and it is still of significant practical significance today. It is still of great practical significance today. Mao Zedong held Sun Tzu’s The Art of War in high esteem, and the wisdom, faith, benevolence, courage, and strictness advocated by Sun Tzu became the “martial virtues” of Chinese soldiers.

The earliest handed down copy of this book is “The Art of War” written on bamboo in a Han tomb unearthed in Yinqueshan, Shandong in 1972. Unfortunately, it is only a fragmentary bamboo slip, so we cannot get a full picture of it. It was compiled by a team of Han bamboo slip experts and published by the Cultural Relics Publishing House in 1975. publishing. The earliest extant engraved version is the “Eleven Family Notes on Sun Tzu” from the reigns of Xiaozong and Guangzong of the Southern Song Dynasty; there is also the “Sun Tzu” version of “Seven Books of the Martial Arts”, which was photocopied by the China Academy of Art in 1935. Cao Cao’s annotated version is the earliest. The Song version of “Sun Wu Sima Fa” included in “Pingjin Guan Series” includes “Sun Zi of Emperor Wu of Wei”. Since then, there have been many annotators, such as Sun Xingyan’s “Ten Comments on Sun Zi” by Sun Xingyan of the Qing Dynasty, Zhu Yong’s “Seven Books of Martial Arts: Annotations”, Xia Zhenyi’s “Comprehensive Commentary on Martial Classics: Sun Zi”, and the recent scholar Yang Bing’an’s “Sun Zi” “Hui Jian”, “Sun Tzu’s Compilation” by modern Wu Jiulong, Wu Rushong’s “Sun Tzu’s New Treatise on the Art of War”, etc.

“The Art of War” is a brilliant treasure in ancient China’s military cultural heritage and an important part of excellent traditional culture. Its content is extensive and profound, its thoughts are profound and rich, and its logic is rigorous and rigorous. It is a concentrated expression of the essence of ancient military thought.

“Sun Tzu’s Art of War” is regarded as a military classic. It has a history of 2,500 years and has been studied throughout the ages. Li Shimin said, “Looking at all the military books, there is no one like Sun Wu.” The art of war is a strategy, and a strategy is not a small trick, but a grand strategy and great wisdom. Today, “Sun Tzu’s Art of War” has gone global. It has also been translated into many languages and plays an important role in world military history. The bamboo slips of the Han Dynasty version of “Sun Tzu’s Art of War” were unearthed in 1972 from a Han tomb in Yinqueshan, Linyi.

“The Art of War” is an ancient military classic with 13 chapters in total. The following is a summary of each chapter:

Laying Plans: Introduction outlining the fundamental principles of war and the need for careful consideration due to the significant impact of warfare.
Waging War: Discussion of the basic principles of warfare, emphasizing the initiative, flexibility, and the adjustment of tactics and forces according to specific circumstances.
Attack by Stratagem: Exploration of effective offensive strategies, especially in situations where the enemy is stronger. Topics include planning, choosing the battlefield, and the flexible use of forces.
Tactical Dispositions: Emphasis on the long-term and global nature of warfare, discussing how to maintain the stability of the army over an extended period.
Energy: Examination of the importance of advantageous positions and timing on the battlefield, as well as adapting to various terrain conditions.
Weak Points and Strong: Strategies for creating deception, using false information to mislead the enemy, and gaining better opportunities.
Maneuvering: Further discussion on maintaining stability in unfavorable conditions and using various strategies to overcome stronger opponents.
Variation in Tactics: Emphasis on the principle of flexibility and adaptability, advocating for changing plans according to the situation for a favorable shift in the battle.
Engaging the Force: Discussion on the importance of rapid mobility and smooth marching of the army, emphasizing the importance of flexibility.
Adaptability to Terrain: Examination of the significance of terrain in warfare, including choosing favorable ground for battle and utilizing terrain for defense.
Strategic Advantage: Emphasis on understanding and familiarizing oneself with the geographical environment of the battlefield, along with the flexible use of forces in different geographic conditions.
Employment of Spies: Discussion on the tactical use of espionage, including how to leverage information and intelligence for strategic advantage.
Strategic Use of Deception: Emphasis on the principles of using cunning and strategic thinking, covering topics such as seizing opportunities, creating illusions, and patiently waiting for the right moment.

Here are my lessons learned from Sun Tzu’s Art of War:

I. Stay Calm and Flexible, Adapt to Changes

Sun Tzu said: In the conduct of war, the commander receives orders from the sovereign, gathers troops, occupies strategic positions, engages in strategic maneuvers, and acts decisively without hesitation. When facing a critical situation, be prepared to fight; when in dire straits, engage in battle. Avoid unnecessary confrontations, choose battles wisely, refrain from attacking fortified cities unnecessarily, and refrain from engaging in conflicts over trivial matters. There are situations where the commander should not comply with the sovereign’s orders.

Therefore, the commander who understands the advantages of the nine variations knows the art of war. Those who do not understand the advantages of the nine variations, even if they know the terrain, cannot gain an advantage over the enemy.

Fight in desperate situations, but do not forget the fundamentals of military strategy; avoid foolish mistakes. Sometimes, choose not to take certain paths, consider unconventional routes, and adopt a perspective that considers the opponent’s decisions. Practice “selflessness” in decision-making.

There are times when not engaging in battle is part of warfare. Constantly weigh the pros and cons and consider the bigger picture. Reflect on oneself and assess whether one is avoiding unnecessary actions and consistently planning one’s life.

Refuse to accept orders that compromise one’s principles, especially when it comes to sacrificing oneself for the ruler. In summary, be adaptable, consider defeat, and strive for overall success, keeping in mind that everything comes with a cost.

II. Face Difficulties Head-On, Turn Defeats into Victories

Therefore, the considerations of a wise person must be mixed with both benefits and risks. Mix considerations of benefits by seeking credibility, and mix considerations of risks by finding ways to mitigate and resolve potential harms.

This involves using cunning strategies.

III. Be Vigilant in Times of Peace, Plan for Chaos in Times of Stability

Hence, in the art of war, do not rely on the enemy not coming; rely on being well-prepared to face them. Do not rely on the enemy not attacking; rely on having positions that cannot be attacked.

Be cautious in the intangible and prevent problems before they arise. It is inevitable that problems will occur, but it is necessary to solve them.

IV. Leadership is the Perfect Harmony of Personality and Position

Therefore, there are five dangers for a commander: being willing to die, as they can be killed; being willing to live, as they can be captured; being quick-tempered, as they can be insulted; being honest and incorruptible, as they can be humiliated; loving the people too much, as they can become troublesome. These five dangers are the mistakes of a commander and disasters in the use of military force. Overturning an army and killing a commander will inevitably involve one or more of these dangers; they must be carefully observed.

Sun Tzu says that a commander should possess intelligence, trustworthiness, benevolence, courage, and strictness. Those who are not afraid and do not fear death cannot assess the dangers of death accurately, leading to foolish decisions. Greed for life and fear of death will either result in fleeing or surrendering during battles. It also weakens leadership and creates discord within the hierarchy. Impatience and irritability are character flaws that hinder effective leadership.

Loving the people like one’s children is a paradox. While rationally considering the costs, human nature cannot accurately measure the emotions involved. Those who truly embody the qualities of “not fearing death, not fearing life, not being impatient, not being incorruptible, and not loving the people excessively” may be considered invincible.

Therefore, understanding oneself is crucial. Acknowledge one’s character flaws, accept them, and then plan for a position that suits one’s personality.

Nine Variations Chapter