Sun Tzu: The Art of War

The Art of War is an ancient Chinese text onSun Tzu replied: "You may."
strategy and warfare written by a Sun Wu, aHo Lu asked: "May the test be applied to
brilliant military general more than two thousandwomen?"
years ago. It is considered one of the oldestThe answer was again in the affirmative, so
attempts at analyzing and documenting thearrangements were made to bring 180 ladies out
specific components of strategic warfare, withof the Palace. Sun Tzu divided them into two
wisdom that is as applicable today as it wascompanies, and placed one of the King's favorite
thousands of years ago.concubines at the head of each. He then bade
Many Chinese and international scholars debatedthem all take spears in their hands, and addressed
the exact dates that Sun Tzu waged war againstthem thus: "I presume you know the difference
his enemies and many question the legitimacy ofbetween front and back, right hand and left
such a historical figure actually existing. Ratherhand?"
than a sole general or military expert being theThe girls replied: Yes.
sole author, they interpreted the manuscripts as aSun Tzu went on: "When I say "Eyes front," you
collection of works pieced together by Chinesemust look straight ahead. When I say "Left turn,"
Philosophers.you must face towards your left hand. When I
In 1972 a set of engraved, bamboo texts weresay "Right turn," you must face towards your
discovered in a grave near a city called Linyiright hand. When I say "About turn," you must
Shandong. This discovery supported the existenceface right round towards your back."
of Sun Tzu's. The texts were dated betweenAgain the girls assented. The words of command
134-118 B.C and not only confirmed Sun Tzu'shaving been thus explained, he set up the halberds
historical existence, but also added new sectionsand battle-axes in order to begin the drill. Then, to
of strategic text. To support a timeline, clues canthe sound of drums, he gave the order "Right
be found within his 13 Chapters of strategy, andturn." But the girls only burst out laughing. Sun Tzu
especially in chapter two. Some scholars feel thatsaid: "If words of command are not clear and
the descriptions of war chariots that were useddistinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood,
by the ancient Chinese were only used for a briefthen the general is to blame."
period ending in the 4th Century BC.So he started drilling them again, and this time
The actual text is 13 chapters covering all aspectsgave the order "Left turn," whereupon the girls
of strategy from the use of psychologicalonce more burst into fits of laughter. Sun Tzu: "If
warfare, to his use of strategic deception, and thewords of command are not clear and distinct, if
value he placed on the armies of secret agentsorders are not thoroughly understood, the general
and double agents.is to blame. But if his orders ARE clear, and the
As an example of text in which he uses ansoldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault
exercise in deception, he advised that if yourof their officers."
enemy was near, to make him think you are far,So saying, he ordered the leaders of the two
if your enemy is far, make him think you arecompanies to be beheaded. Now the king of Wu
near. In an area that you are weak, make himwas watching the scene from the top of a raised
think you are strong, in an area that you arepavilion; and when he saw that his favorite
strong, make him think that you are weak.concubines were about to be executed, he was
While he could be a ruthless military tactician, hegreatly alarmed and hurriedly sent down the
also recognized that it requires more skill to takefollowing message: "We are now quite satisfied as
a city intact, than it was to destroy it. He alsoto our general's ability to handle troops. If we are
said that many successful battles is not the resultbereft of these two concubines, our meat and
of skill, but to rather to subduing the enemydrink will lose their savor. It is our wish that they
without fighting is the test of true skill.shall not be beheaded."
There are many free online version of Sun TzuSun Tzu replied: "Having once received His
with links posted at the bottom. As you beginMajesty's commission to be the general of his
your study in the ancient, but applicable art offorces, there are certain commands of His
war, you will find varying translations due toMajesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable
"disagreements" of exact translations of theto accept."
Chinese text. Even with the small variations, theAccordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded,
message will resonate with accuracy, andand straightway installed the pair next in order as
relevancy.leaders in their place. When this had been done,
The below excerpt is from an ancient biographythe drum was sounded for the drill once more;
on Sun Tzu and provides some insight into Sunand the girls went through all the evolutions,
Tzu's rise to power. It outlines the story of Sunturning to the right or to the left, marching ahead
Tzu and the concubines. It is made possible withor wheeling back, kneeling or standing, with
permission from Project Guttenberg with theperfect accuracy and precision, not venturing to
complete text found at:utter a sound. Then Sun Tzu sent a messenger
Ssu-ma Ch`ien gives the following biography ofto the King saying: "Your soldiers, Sire, are now
Sun Tzuproperly drilled and disciplined, and ready for your
Sun Tzu Wu was a native of the Chi State. Hismajesty's inspection. They can be put to any use
ART OF WAR brought him to the notice of Hothat their sovereign may desire; bid them go
Lu, King of Wu.through fire and water, and they will not disobey."
Ho Lu said to him: "I have carefully perused yourBut the King replied: "Let our general cease drilling
13 chapters. May I submit your theory ofand return to camp. As for us, we have no wish
managing soldiers to a slight test?"to come down and inspect the troops.