The Art of War by Sun Tzu

War has been an aspect of life ever since the earliest civilizations. Whether it be for self-gain, defending your nation or others reasons, it cannot not be avoided in this conflicted world. When that time approaches every military leader must know how to conduct himself with the most efficiency. A leader must have this knowledge so he can lead his troops in a fashion that points towards victory. The critically acclaimed novel, The Art of War, is considered one of the greatest books on military strategy by many, and was written by Sun Tzu, a man who was given the title of one of the greatest military leaders by other military figures, and even though it may be difficult to understand at times, is still a very enjoyable read for anyone interested in military tactics.

The Art of War is full of powerful yet frightening ways that Sun Tzu said war should be fought. The tactics that Tzu used in war were affective, but some leaders today would consider him a warmonger for his actions. In his book he explains that war must be without mercy, but at some points one must give grace. Page upon page told of the slaughtering of entire cities that he invaded. However, the book does contain accounts of Tzu sparing entire armies and letting them return home. Even though he was a ruthless killer on the battlefield, he did seem to keep to his philosophy that he wrote stating, "In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good. So, too, it is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them." (pg.32)

The Art of War shows the philosophy of Sun Tzu as he describes how to manage and win battles. He focuses on key points that he considers the best way to win wars. Sun Tzu states in The Art of War that " Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted" and " By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord; or, by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near." (Pg. 76) In other words, know your enemies weak and strong points so that you can exploit them. The concept of tactical dispositions is a theory that Tzu strongly believed in. He stated in his book that "To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself." (Pg.56) Tzu is basically saying that a person's victory or defeat is in their own hands. Whether or not one chooses to strive for victory is a choice. The last major theory that Sun Tzu believes is the best way to winning every war is sabotage. He points out that the key factor is hitting where it hurts the most, the homeland. The best way to carry out this theory is to send spies into the enemy's country and terrorize farmland and industry. In some cases Tzu speaks of kidnapping the others generals family as well.

As Sun Tzu began to write The Art of War he divided the book into thirteen chapters describing the different ways of combat. The chapters are arranged into four larger categories; planning for war, waging war, understanding the terrain, and understanding one's enemy. Tzu points out that if one does not plan accordingly for battles then the war is already over. A leader must motivate his people to support his judgment about war and to work harder to feed the troops. Supplies most be made for the men and most importantly, an army most be assembled. Wagging the actual war is a skill few possess and is valued by every leader wishing for political expansion of their borders. here Tzu's theories of war, play their biggest role. Tzu explains that if a nation is not intellectually sound in the art of strategy, combat, and tactics then there is no hope. Next to waging a war is understanding your terrain. In the novel The Art of War, Sun Tzu says that "From a position of this sort, if the enemy is unprepared, you may sally forth and defeat him. But if the enemy is prepared for your coming, and you fail to defeat him, then, return being impossible, disaster will ensue." (Pgs.133-135) This statement points out that if you do not know your battlefield, but your enemy, does then one's hope of winning is gone. Finally above all, understanding ones enemy is the key to being victorious. Rumors has it that Sun Tzu himself said, "keep your friends close, and your enemies closer." ("Sun Tzu Quotes." Sun Tzu Quotes)

Tzu received a high level education and lived with a wealthy lifestyle. His parents were extremely wealthy for people of their time and invested the money into giving Tzu the best possible life. His education was considered one of the best of its time. However, growing up in area of Qi, Sun Wu, he was in a war stricken country and was exposed to all the aspects of these horrible events. With this environment his personality as a whole is molded around violence. However, this also helps focus more on studies due to the demand for strategists. ("Sun Tzu: A Critique Of Flaws In Chapter One ‘Laying Plans’.”)

Most of his childhood has been a mystery to the world due to the destruction of, or lack of records kept. Some researchers can't even prove he actually lived from such a lack of records. However, most researchers that study his life say he lived during the "Spring and Autumn Period of China". ("Sun Tzu and The Art of War."). It is said that as he grew up he became very close to the king of his state. This friendship turned out to be a great advantage to Tzu due to his new interest. From there he attended a military academy where he broadened his passion and knowledge.

As he continued his passion for the military, Helu, the king of the state Wu, appointed him as commanding general of his army. He was the most successful military leader of his time. Tzu developed hundreds of military theories that he used during the Warring States Period. This period consisted of a war between the seven nations in china. "At the time of Sun Tzu's generalship, the kingdom of Wu was considered a semi-barbaric state and incapable of military regulation or cultural power. After Sun Tzu took control, however, the military in Wu went on to conquer the state of Chu, the most powerful state in the Spring and Autumn Period in Chinese history." ('Sun Tzu Biography") After his military conquest Tzu disappeared to live a quiet and peaceful life. From there he wrote his most famous writing, The Art of War. (http://www.thereaderseye.com/the-art-of-war-by-sun-zi-a-critical-review)

The critically acclaimed book, The Art of War, may be complex and difficult to understand at times, but is still a great book on military tactics. The contents of this book contains a vast span of knowledge that this reader has only reached the tip of the iceberg. Its intense description of concepts and theories can be consider to be a little rough for young readers but this book should be placed as a "must read" to a more mature audience.

When reading this text one must read it has a sixth century eastern Asian and not a 2013 western America. That is a key factor to understanding this book to its full potential. That, in this writers opinion, is the only down fall of this novel. To grasp these concepts you have to know Asian history which would make reading this book difficult to some degree. With that being said this writer recommends that before reading this text that you go to a local library or search on a computer, the culture of ancient China. This writer believes by doing so, a reader will find this book much easier to understand.

The Art of War been used by many great military leaders throughout history as early as 500 B.C. to present day. It was proven to be a handheld battlefield pocket guild to many leaders in time of war."One of the earliest accounts was of the first emperor of a unified China, Qin Shi Huang, who considered the book had ended the Age of Warring States." (United States of America. Library. Sun Tzu Chinese Military Leader) Even when the 20th century came upon us, The Art of War proved to be a valued resource to modern day leaders. During the Persian Gulf War General Norman Schwarzkopf and General Colin Powell used the book's theories of knowing one's terrain to sneak around enemy forces and attack from behind in Operation Desert Storm. ("The Art of War." History.com) As any reader can see, this novel has impacted countries around world for ages. Whether it be in defense of one's nation or a hostile invasion, whoever has read and understands this book clearly has an advantage.

This reader found The Art of War to be a well written book and recommends it to all persons interested in military tactics, strategy, or business. The overall structure of this book is quite easy to follow and understand for someone even with the slightest military knowledge. Although this book was intended for military application, this writer feels that Sun Tzu's philosophies can be applied to many other matters besides military conquest. (http://www.nczonline.net/blog/2009/03/01/book-review-the-art-of-war/)

In conclusion, to some, this text might just be seen as a book full of violence, but to this writer, it is a powerful text that has impacted the world ever since its inception. It is a motivator to accomplish ones goals, a warning to those who wish to wreak havoc, and most of all a guide to everyday life. This is said because within the inner workings of this book many will find that major parts of the chapters speak of integrity and honor. Sun Tzu himself throughout the book explains to the readers that one must stay true to the integrity, purity, and ones knowledge of right and wrong. With this being said, The Art of War has not only proven to be a book of war but also a guide to peace.