Art of War by Sun Tzu

Home Famous People From Ancient China Sun Tzu War Art

 

 

Art of War

The Art of War, a Chinese military treatise, is written by Sun Tzu (Sun Wu) during the Spring and Autumn period (in the 6th century BC).

Though it was written 2600 years ago, its influence is still hug today with its strategies and philosophical thoughts being widely applied in fields like military affairs, politics and economy etc. It even has its mark in people's personal life.

I remember that when my brother was still a teen, he read this book and applied some of its tactics to the games he and his friends played as well as in some social situations. He was well respected by his gang because his "smartness", which in turn won his wife's favor. I think it's fair to say that Sun Tzu has changed some ordinary people's life, such as my brother, in one way or other, not mention his impact in wars.

The Art of War is also known as "Sun Wu's Military Science". The content of the book is extensive and profound, touching upon a wide range of subjects including war rules, philosophy, strategies, diplomacy, politics, economy, astronomy, geology etc. though it has only brief and precise chapters.

  1. Laying Plans
  2. Waging War
  3. Attack by Stratagem
  4. Tactical Dipositions
  5. Energy
  6. Weak Points and Strong
  7. Maneuvering
  8. Variation in Tactics
  9. The Army on the March
  10. Terrain
  11. The Nine Situations
  12. The Attack by Fire
  13. The Use of Spies

As China's earliest, most outstanding and complete work on warcraft, it is thought to be the definitive work on military strategies and tactics of its time, and one of the basic texts on military strategy since then.

It's not surprising that it has been dubbed "the Bible of Military Science" and holds an important position in China's military history, impacting on the strategists, statesmen and thinkers of all dynasties.

 

Related Readings:

Terra Cotta Army
The Terra Cotta Army in Xi'an China, an ancient wonder and a world heritage site.
Qin Shihuang
Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of China who united warring China 2200 years ago.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, an ancient wonder and a world heritage site.

 

 

Suggested Readings:

 

Home Famous People From Ancient China Sun Tzu Art of War

 

 


 

 

 

China Highlights