Sun Tzu (544 - 496 BCE) was a Chinese strategist, thinker, and author of 'The Art of War.' His profound insights and timeless principles have not only shaped the tactics of historical battles but continue to guide modern strategic thinking in business, politics, and beyond, showcasing the broad functionality of his strategies. In this article, we delve into Sun Tzu's life and enduring legacy, uncovering the wisdom that has solidified his status as the ultimate master strategist.
Biographical background
The only evidence that Sun Tzu (birth name Sun Wu), Master Sun, or Sun Zi, was a historical figure is his biography, written in the 2nd century BCE by the Han dynasty historian Sima Qian in 'Records of the Grand Historian.' Historians agree that Sun Tzu was born in the late Spring and Autumn period.
He was an active general and military strategist, serving King Helü of Wu starting around 512 BC during the sixth century BC. Sun Tzu described himself as a general of Wu's principality, making him a contemporary of one of the greatest philosophers of ancient times—Confucius. This era was marked by the decline of the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE), during which the states formerly unified under the dynasty began battling each other for dominance and control over China.
During the subsequent Warring States period, marked by constant conflict among seven ancient Chinese states—Zhao, Qi, Qin, Chu, Han, Wei, and Yan—vying for control of Eastern China's fertile lands, 'The Art of War' emerged as one of the most widely read military treatises (one of the Seven Military Classics" of ancient China, a collection of influential military texts that have shaped Chinese military thought for centuries).
According to tradition, Sun Tzu was a landless aristocrat, a descendant of nobles who lost their status due to military conflicts in the 7th-8th centuries BCE in ancient China. Unlike most landless nobility, whose representatives were traveling scholars, Sun Tzu worked as a mercenary. Around 512 BCE, after completing 'The Art of War, ' Sun Tzu was hired as a general of the Principality of Wu. He is believed to have been killed in 496 BCE.
Sun Tzu and 'The Art of War': History of the treatise
In 1772, Jesuit missionary Jean Joseph Marie Amiot translated 'The Art of War' into French. In 1905, British officer Everard Ferguson Calthrop made a partial translation into English titled 'The Book of War.' The first English translation of 'The Art of War' was by British officer Lionel Giles. It was published in 1910 under the title 'Sun Tzu on the Art of War: The Oldest Military Treatise in the World.' In 1972, construction workers in Shandong accidentally unearthed the Han Yinkeshan tombs. Scientists found a collection of ancient texts, among them 'The Art of War' written on exceptionally well-preserved bamboo leaves.
Key Sun Tzu's warfare principles from 'The Art of War'
From ancient times to today, the military treatise 'The Art of War (Chinese: 孫子兵法; pinyin: Sūnzǐ bīngfǎ)' the authorship of which is attributed to the legendary Chinese general and strategist Sun-Tzu, has not lost its relevance. And not only because, for more than two thousand years, humanity has not learned to solve problems peacefully, time and again, using force where there is a place for common sense. The main principles of the strategy and tactics of military confrontation are now successfully used in business, diplomacy, politics, and all activities requiring strategic thinking. Let's learn more about these principles from Sun Tzu's quotes because who better explain it than the author himself.
Sun Tzu' view on military strategy and tactics
"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win."
Sun Tzu constantly emphasizes 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 the war is inhumane to the people.
"If you know your enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle."
Knowing your enemy thoroughly will make it much easier for you to get the desired result. Suppose you deeply understand your strengths and weaknesses and those of your enemy. In that case, you can strategically plan and execute your actions to maximize your chances of victory.
"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat."
The general believed that battle preparation was crucial for victory. Planning the battle, with its many options, is the key to success, the sure way to victory. Failure to do so inevitably leads to defeat.
"Great results, can be achieved with small forces."
At the core of Sun Tzu's strategy 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 necessary. Strategic concentration is required for the uneven distribution of forces.
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
According to Sun Tzu, supreme excellence is in wisdom, not even at the beginning of battles. Agreement, espionage, and finding weak points are important aspects of war conduct.
Leadership and managing people principles
"A leader leads by example, not by force."
Sun Tzu also paid attention to the personal qualities of the commander and ruler. According to the strategist, if a commander is not endowed with intelligence, impartiality, humanity, courage, and rigor, he will not be able to ignite the people's hearts and achieve victory.
"When one treats people with benevolence, justice, and righteousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders."
According to Sun Tzu, the principle of command states that soldiers do not question the meaning of an order when receiving it. A good leader is an example and authority. Subordinates are obedient to such managers without a doubt.
"The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand."
A successful general invests significant time and effort in planning and considering various factors and scenarios before engaging in battle. This preparation includes evaluating the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, the terrain, available resources, and possible tactics.
"Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment — that which they cannot anticipate."
Presenting people with what they expect gains their trust and makes your actions seem predictable and ordinary. Once people are settled into predictable response patterns, their actions and reactions become more foreseeable.
Sun Tzu's wisdom for everyday life
"The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.”
War is not only for commanders; we may be in a state of conflict or a crisis, and we should know how to emerge victorious from the problem.
"In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity."
One should benefit from what is done and harm from what is not done and be cunning. Sun Tzu advised us to see how we can use circumstances and to be in a winning position.
"Opportunities multiply as they are seized."
When you take advantage of an opportunity, it often opens the door to new possibilities. Success in one area can lead to further chances for success in related or even different areas. Taking opportunities frequently involves interacting with new people and expanding your network.
"Know yourself and you will win all battles."
Sun Tzu spoke a lot about the vital qualities of a leader and the influence of a ruler on the entire army and the course of war. Strong personalities know how to see not only their strengths but also their weaknesses. It is essential to look inside yourself and analyze to grow.
"If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things."
The author of The Art of War, Sun Tzu, repeatedly emphasizes the need for discipline in the troops and maintaining spirit (qi). Situations that strengthen the army's morale must be created, and those that cause it to lose its will must be avoided.
Historical influence
The treatise, in addition to the Chinese, was used in their actions by the generals Takeda Singen (Japanese statesman and military figure, tycoon, samurai commander of the Warring States period, 16th century), Vo Nguyen Ziap (Vietnamese military leader and political figure, army general, Minister of Defense of Vietnam, Commander-in-Chief of Vietnam during the Vietnam War, 20th century). General Vo Nguyen Ziap, later the military organizer behind the victories over the American army in Vietnam, fervently studied and applied Sun Tzu's ideas. American defeat in that war, more than anything else, drew the attention of American military theorists to Sun Tzu. The US Army, including the Navy, used this art of warfare during military training.
Modern applications
Military strategy can even be advantageous in everyday life or business. Here's how you can apply San Tzu's principles to your life.
Preliminary analysis allows you to pave the way to a 50% victory. Surprisingly, this principle of warfare in ancient times has retained its relevance today. Conducting a competitive analysis, studying open data, and applying forecasts to compile a set of guidelines for the future is the key to choosing the proper steps in business development. Moreover, modern realities increasingly revolve around the so-called "Pareto principle" - 80% of success comes from 20% of the effort if you choose only the right direction for analysis and appropriate actions.
Sun Tzu, author of 'The Art of War,' emphasized positioning in military strategy. The decision to choose a certain position for the army should be based on two objective conditions — the physical environment and the subjective beliefs of other opposing combatants in that environment. He believed that strategy is not planning in the sense of working through a set list of tasks but rather requires a quick and adequate response to changing conditions. Planning works in controlled circumstances, but opponents' plans collide in changing circumstances, creating unexpected situations.
Sun Tzu highly appreciated the value of talented commanders' skills. True and effective leaders excel in their ability to unite their subordinates' efforts to achieve a specific goal, and Sun Tzu emphasizes this as their primary mission. The strength lies in the unity of actions, a recurring theme throughout the entire treatise. Sun Tzu believed that awareness of a common goal and the team's dependency on fulfilling the leader's will are necessary conditions for unity among the team and followers of the leader.
The principles and ideas described in the treatise retain their relevance not only for military affairs but also for other types of human activity in which there is opposition, and strategic planning is necessary, particularly in business and management.
Books to better understand Chinese warfare
Mark McNeilly, an expert on strategic thinking, has extensively studied "The Art of War". His extensive military experience enriches his analysis of how Sun Tzu's teachings apply to contemporary warfare. His work has been updated to reflect military advancements from the past decade, covering topics such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the challenges posed by Iran, the "Arab Spring," and the ongoing rise of China.
'The Illustrated Art of War' by Sun Tzu, with contributions by Samuel B. Griffith (Oxford University Press), combines Sun Tzu's timeless strategic wisdom with Griffith's authoritative translation and commentary. This edition is enhanced with illustrations that bring the ancient text to life, making the concepts more accessible and visually engaging.
Ralph D. Sawyer is a renowned scholar and translator known for his comprehensive work on Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War.' His translation is acclaimed for its accuracy and depth, providing readers with a clear and nuanced understanding of Sun Tzu's strategies and philosophies.
The legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi authored 'The Book of Five Rings.' In it, he emphasizes discipline, self-awareness, and continuous improvement and provides insights into mastering strategy. His teachings blend Sun Tzu's strategic foresight with practical wisdom.
Discover the wisdom of Sun Tzu and 'The Art of War' with Headway
War strategies are interesting for broadening your horizons and the ability to think analytically. The Chinese general's famous treatise, 'The Art of War,' has remained relevant for over 2,000 years. There are eternal values and ideas, and you have an excellent opportunity to read a summary of this valuable book for a leader on our platform, where there are more than 1500 book summaries. We have a list of relevant books if you are interested in military strategy.
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FAQ
When did Sun Tzu live?
Sun Tzu's historical accuracy is uncertain. Sima Qian, a historian of the Han dynasty, and other traditional Chinese historians placed him as a minister to King Helü of Wu and dated his lifetime to 544–496 BC.
How did Sun Tzu die?
Sun Tzu is said to have died when King Helu was killed in 496 BC. However, since Wu's military success continued after that year, stories of his death may have been exaggerated for political reasons.
How to pronounce Sun Tzu?
Sun Tzu is commonly pronounced as “soon dzoo” in English. The "Sun" is pronounced like the word "soon" and the "Tzu" is pronounced like "dzoo" with a soft "d" sound. His name translated as "Master Sun."
