Sun Tzu
'The Art of War' was written by Sun Tzu and translated by Samuel B. Griffith. The authorship and date of this book has been closely scrutinized since the eleventh century in prolonged and protracted debates among scholars. It is accepted that the work originated in China and was well known in the fourth century BC. While the very existence of Sun Tzu has been questioned, the chapter on 'The Biography of Sun Tzu' indicates that Sun Tzu was an author who later made a general when his successful writings gained him an audience with a king. The author's style is clearly informative, very much like an instructional book. He opens chapter one, 'Estimates', of his work by declaring, "War is a matter of vital importance to the State;" the province of life or death; the road to survival or ruin. It is mandatory that it be thoroughly studied." 'The Art of War' is devoted to the discussion of strategies which the author claims leads to victory if carefully followed. His is the first known attempt to formulate a rational basis for the planning and conduct of military operations. Sun Tzu was not primarily interested in
Chapter thirteen closes the book with a particularly topical aspect of war, 'The Employment of Secret Agents'. In this chapter Tzu cleverly points out that waging war undoubtedly requires economic resources and to fail to invest in espionage is not saving money but rather wasting money because it decreases the likelihood of victory. Failing to gather foreknowledge of the enemy is not only shot sighted but is also inhumane because it commits troops to battle without giving them every benefit. Sun Tzu outlines the various means of infiltrating enemy lines and obtaining intelligence. In chapter two, 'Waging War', Sun Tzu develops his philosophy on the need for war. He subscribes to the belief the physical harm should be viewed as a last resort and inflicted only when necessary. He addresses the economic considerations of war namely the cost of waging war. He understands the necessary criteria for true success is the economic viability of the strategy. Extended war operations are counterproductive as they inflict hardship is the form of depressed morale, physical exhaustion and diminished supplies. "An attack may lack ingenuity but it must be delivered with super natural speed." He is famously known for stating that there has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited. Sun Tzu also believes in treating the captives well thus securing potential allies and stresses that it is imperative that a General of an army understands these points in the art of war. In chapters nine, 'Marches' Sun Tzu emphasizes strategy in using the terrain. He also touches on the impact that the troops have on the general and how their actions reflect on him. Conversely he touches also on appropriate conduct for a general. It is interesting that traits such as consistency which Sun Tzu claims is essential are well recognized today in the parenting arena as crucial to gaining obedience.
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Approximate Word count = 2054
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)
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