The Art of War
By Sun Tzu
The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise dating from the Late Spring and Autumn Period (roughly 5th century BC). The work, which is attributed to the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu (“Master Sun”), is composed of 13 chapters. Each is devoted to a different set of skills or art related to warfare and how it applies to military strategy and tactics. For almost 1,500 years, the lead text in an anthology was formalized as the Seven Military Classics by Emperor Shenzong of Song in 1080. The Art of War remains the most influential strategy text in East Asian warfare.
He has influenced both East Asian and Western military theory and thinking. He has found various applications in competitive non-military endeavours worldwide, including espionage culture, politics, business, and sports. The book explains and analyses the 5th-century BC Chinese military, from weapons, environmental conditions, and strategy to rank and discipline. Sun also stressed the importance of intelligence operatives and espionage to the war effort. Considered one of history’s finest military tacticians and analysts, his teachings and strategies formed the basis of advanced military training for millennia.
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Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu’s historicity is uncertain.
Biography
The Han dynasty historian Sima Qian and other traditional Chinese historians placed him as a minister to King Helü of Wu and dated his lifetime to 544–496 BC. Modern scholars accepting his historicity place the extant text of The Art of War in the later Warring States period of 475 to 221 BC, based on its style of composition and its descriptions of warfare. Traditional accounts state that the general’s descendant, Sun Bin, wrote a treatise on military tactics, also titled The Art of War.
Since both Sun Wu and Sun Bin were referred to as “Sun Tzu” in classical Chinese texts, some historians believed them identical, prior to the rediscovery of Sun Bin’s treatise in 1972. Sun Tzu’s work has been praised and employed throughout the arc of East Asian military history since its composition, and eventually earned global attention. The Art of War grew in popularity during the twentieth century and saw practical use in the Western world. It remains influential in many contemporary competitive endeavors across the modern world beyond military strategy and warfare, including espionage, culture, governance, business, and sports.
Sun Tzu
