Books by Sun Tzu, especially the legendary 'The Art of War,' have cemented his reputation as the ultimate master of strategy. These texts offer profound insights into military tactics, leadership, and conflict resolution. In this article, we delve into the essential books by Sun Tzu that every strategy enthusiast should explore. Sun Tzu's teachings continue influencing and inspiring, from ancient battlefields to modern boardrooms.
Who was Sun Tzu (or Sun Zi)?
The book's author, Sun Tzu (meaning Master Sun), born Sun Wu, was a well-known historical figure in the 2nd century BC. He was a strategist and thinker of Ancient China, a peer of another famous thinker and philosopher — Confucius. He wrote a treatise on military strategy, 'The Art of War,' which survived many wars and victories more than once.
There are several versions of his treatise, the first of which dates from the Song Dynasty (960–1279). After the invention of the printing press, 'The Art of War' (with Cao Cao's commentaries) was printed in a military textbook along with six other strategy books, collectively known as the Seven Military Classics (武經七書 / 武经七书).
Today, there are more than 30 versions of the book with various commentaries. It has been required material in military textbooks since the Song Dynasty. However, the book is not only about war; it is about life.
Main themes of 'The Art of War'
This historical Chinese text consists of 13 parts, each examining one aspect of warfare. It is considered the leading textbook on military strategy and tactics of its time. The principles and ideas described in the treatise remain relevant for military affairs and other areas where conflict and strategic planning are necessary.
"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."
Sun Tzu's views on strategy
To predict the consequences of war, it is necessary to consider many factors, including strategic ones. Sometimes, they can seem unexpected, such as this one:
"All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we can attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near."
Sun Tzu advocated a quick fight and a quick victory and that no country benefits from a long war.
Sun Tzu emphasized that the best military strategy is to destroy the enemy's plans and strategies. A weaker one is to attack the enemy's alliances, and even worse is to attack the enemy's army. The worst is to attack the walled cities.
Sun Tzu's quotes about knowledge
However, the key thing in military affairs, as well as in many others, is knowledge.
"He who knows the enemy and himself will never lose a war; he who does not know the enemy, but knows himself, sometimes wins and sometimes loses; he who knows neither himself nor the enemy will lose every battle," summed up the ancient Chinese military strategist.
At the core of Sun Tzu's concept is managing the enemy, which creates opportunities for easy victory. Luring the enemy into traps and avoiding confrontation with the enemy's prepared forces is vital.
Sun Tzu's perspective on diplomacy
In Sun Tzu's view, war is an organic whole, starting with diplomacy and mobilization and ending with espionage. One must never forget the purpose of war — to make the population prosperous and loyal to the ruler.
The ideal victory is subjugating other states through diplomatic means without military action. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct active diplomacy, destroy the enemy's alliances, and break their strategy.
Sun Tzu constantly emphasized that military action is an expensive activity that damages the state and causes misery to the people. Therefore, war must be fast, efficient, and mobile. Prolonging a war is inhumane to the people.
Read more Sun Tzu quotes on strategic thinking, plans, and tactics from 'The Art of War' here.
Various translations and commentaries on 'The Art of War'
Although Sun Tzu himself did not care to accompany his treatise with examples, generations of commentators have provided us with a wealth of episodes from Asian military history that illustrate his points.
'Sun-Tzu: The Art of Warfare,' translated and interpreted by Roger T. Ames, is a comprehensive English version of Sun Tzu's ancient Chinese military treatise, 'The Art of War.' This edition is notable for incorporating insights from the recently discovered Yin-ch'üeh-shan texts, which provide additional historical context and depth to Sun Tzu's strategies and philosophies. The Yin-ch'üeh-shan texts, unearthed in the 20th century, add a layer of authenticity and completeness to the traditional understanding of Sun Tzu's work. Roger T. Ames' book is valuable for anyone interested in military strategy, Chinese philosophy, or historical texts.
'Military Methods' by Sun Bin is a significant ancient Chinese military treatise that complements the more widely known 'The Art of War.' Sun Bin, a descendant of Sun Tzu, offers his strategic insights and methods, which are highly regarded in military strategy. Sun Bin emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing circumstances on the battlefield. The book offers valuable lessons on flexibility, deception, and tactical innovation that are still relevant in modern strategic thinking.
'The Art of War—Spirituality for Conflict: Annotated & Explained' is a unique interpretation of Sun Tzu's classic text. This edition combines timeless strategic principles from Sun Tzu with a modern perspective that highlights the spiritual and ethical dimensions of conflict resolution. The book delves into the spiritual aspects of Sun Tzu’s teachings, emphasizing the importance of inner peace, balance, and ethical conduct in conflict situations. The annotations also offer practical advice on implementing Sun Tzu's strategies in various aspects of life, including leadership, decision-making, negotiation, and overcoming challenges with wisdom and foresight.
'The Art of War,' translated by Ralph D. Sawyer, is a highly respected version of Sun Tzu's classic. Sawyer often parallels ancient strategies and their applicability to modern contexts, such as business, politics, and personal development. It makes the text relevant to contemporary readers looking to apply Sun Tzu’s wisdom in various aspects of life.
'The Art of War: A Graphic Novel (Graphic Classics)' is an unusual version of this work. The talented illustrator Pete Katz transformed 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu into an engaging graphic novel. This award-winning adaptation brings to life the ancient military treatise, covering topics such as planning, tactics, maneuvering, and espionage through vivid, full-color illustrations. Readers can better understand these principles dating back to the fifth century BCE through this visually captivating adaptation.
Modern books inspired by Sun Tzu’s strategies
While 'The Art of War' remains the only work directly attributed to Sun Tzu, his influence has permeated many other military writings and strategic philosophies throughout Chinese history.
'The Art of War and Tao Te Ching: Ancient Chinese Wisdom Classics' compilation combines two of the most influential texts in Chinese philosophy and strategy: Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War' and Lao Tzu's 'Tao Te Ching.' This collection provides a comprehensive understanding of ancient Chinese wisdom, exploring themes of leadership, strategy, and the fundamental nature of life and the universe. Both texts emphasize the importance of harmony and balance in warfare and everyday life. They advocate for a strategic yet compassionate approach to challenges. Sun Tzu and Lao Tzu both highlight the need for adaptability and flexibility in one's actions, whether on the battlefield or in personal conduct.
'The Complete Art of War' by Niccolò Machiavelli, a famous statesman philosopher, and Sun Tzu. When it comes to Western and Eastern philosophy, it's often said that they're like two parallels that never intersect. However, this book defies that notion. Here, their teachings and views are not only combined but also converge.
'The Art of War by Sun Tzu & The Book of Five Rings' by Miyamoto Musashi. While Sun Tzu focuses on large-scale military strategy, Musashi's work explores individual combat techniques and the mindset needed for personal combat. His principles can also be applied to broader strategic contexts. Musashi emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, emphasizing that a true warrior must always strive to enhance their skills and adapt their tactics based on the situation.
Karl von Clausewitz's 'On War' and Sun-Tzu's 'The Art of War' are two seminal works that have shaped military strategy and theory for centuries. Despite being written in vastly different contexts and eras, both texts offer profound insights into the nature of conflict, strategy, and leadership. While Sun-Tzu's 'The Art of War' focuses on strategy, deception, and psychological warfare, Clausewitz’s 'On War' comprehensively analyzes the nature of war and its broader implications.
Influence and legacy of Sun Tzu's teachings
The influence of ‘The Art of War’ on the state and military is difficult to overestimate. When rulers and generals of Asia planned their conquest campaigns for thousands of years, they turned to Sun Tzu's treatise. The Japanese samurai highly valued it.
During the Sengoku period in Japan, a daimyo named Takeda Shingen (1521-1573) is said to have become almost invincible in all battles without relying on firearms because he studied the 'The Art of War.'
Chinese wisdom has also been valuable for leaders in the West. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte became the first professional European reader to apply Sun Tzu's principles practically. American military generals MacArthur and Schwarzkopf exemplified Sun Tzu's principles from 'The Art of War,' including the importance of speed, surprise, and strategic innovation in the 20th century. They understood the value of knowing the enemy and oneself, and their leadership and strategic decisions often reflected Sun Tzu's emphasis on adaptability and preparedness.
The book's antiquity is surprisingly tied to modernity, as variations of ‘The Art of War’ are adopted by both politicians and companies, such as Toyota.
Practical applications of 'The Art of War'
Sun Tzu's book 'The Art of War' is permeated with ideas of efficiency and the fastest possible absolute victory from a position of strength, power, and might.
Calculate your strengths
The most crucial factor for a winning strategy is in the planning phase. You must calculate your strengths and weaknesses against those of your opponent. Only then will you be able to correctly decide whether it is profitable to attack, stay put, or run away.
"The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution. This is the way to keep a country at peace and an army intact."
Good generals/leaders/managers must have a super advantage. They provide the conditions for victory and control over the situation, and their enemies/competitors accept these rules. In business language, any supply strategy for the future business field can ensure such a total victory: setting standards and creating demand. Rising above mediocrity and making a super effort is how the innovation process is characterized today.
Use psychological methods of influence
The best offensive move to victory is to psychologically destroy the enemy before the war begins and capture them peacefully without killing them. Take out their minds and hearts; the enemy will not stand a chance.
In 'The Art of War,' various methods of influencing the enemy's psyche and behavior are defined. Sun Tzu noted that the art of a general consists of achieving victory over the enemy without the use of military force:
"In war, the best policy is to take a state intact; to ruin it is inferior to this. To capture the enemy's army is better than to destroy it; to capture a regiment, a detachment, or a company entirely is better than to destroy them."
In a broad sense, the essence of the information conflict is that both sides are fighting each other in the political, economic, cultural, scientific, social, and technological spheres. The struggle is for information space and resources.
Take advantage of the enemy's unpreparedness
"Speed is the essence of war. Take advantage of the enemy's unpreparedness; travel by unexpected routes and strike him where he has taken no precautions."
War is a clash of human will and a test of endurance and inner strength, which is also true for business in modern conditions.
"Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected."
Success depends on the ability to adapt to changing situations. Famous basketball coach John Wooden said that for circumstances to change to our benefit, we must first study the situation and then adjust to the prevailing conditions. We can plan our path to the smallest detail, but something unexpected still arises. In such cases, we need to be able to adapt.
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FAQ
When was Sun Tzu born?
According to the biography of Sun Tzu, written by the hereditary historiographer of the Han dynasty, Sima Qian, Sun Tzu was born in 544 BC in Qi or Wu during the late Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history.
What did Sun Tzu do?
Sun Tzu was a military general who defeated the powerful kingdom of Chu and captured its capital. He also won battles with the kingdoms of Qi and Jin, making the Kingdom of Wu (for which Sun Tzu fought) very powerful. He is the author of the famous treatise on military strategy, 'The Art of War.'
Why did Sun Tzu write 'The Art of War'?
After achieving significant military successes, Prince Ho-Liu requests Sun-Tzu to write a book on proper army leadership to pass on his knowledge to future generations. This resulted in the creation of the world-renowned treatise on military operations, 'The Art of War.'
