the book of war The book of war: the military classic of the Far East also known as the art of war
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| the book of war |
Preface
Written in the fifth century B.C., Sun Tzu and Wu Tzu still remain the most celebrated works on war in the literature of China. Although the chariot has disappeared and weapons have changed, these ancient masters have retained their authority, since they deal chiefly with the fundamental principles of war, with the influence of politics and human nature on military operations. They show, in a most striking way, how unchanging these principles are.
When these books were composed, China was a conglomerate of principalities in continual ferment. Personal ambition and intrigue, rather than the wishes of the people, were the main factors in these wars. Patriotism, or a popular cause, could not therefore be relied upon to maintain the morale of the levies. Instead, what may be called the force of despair is pointed out as the most powerful agent in giving cohesion and energy to an army. The general is urged to take a vigorous offensive, and to act at a distance from his base—where defeat means disaster, and where desertion is minimized owing to the distance from home. He should, in fact, burn his boats before an action, or, in Chinese phrase, act as one who removes the ladder from under those mounted upon the roof.
On the other hand, every care must be taken not to render the enemy desperate. As an instance of this, Sun Tzu observes that an opponent should on no account be completely surrounded. A loophole of escape weakens the resolution of the general and the energy of his troops.
It is interesting to notice that morale, or the spirit of the troops, is thus considered a decisive factor in warfare.
The Articles of Sun Tzu
- Introduction ..... 7
- I. Preliminary Reckoning ..... 17
- II. Operations of War ..... 20
- III. The Attack by Stratagem ..... 24
- IV. The Order of Battle ..... 28
- V. The Spirit of the Troops ..... 31
- VI. Emptiness and Strength ..... 34
- VII. Battle Tactics ..... 40
- VIII. The Nine Changes ..... 44
- IX. Movement of Troops ..... 47
- X. Ground ..... 53
- XI. Nine Grounds ..... 58
- XII. Assault by Fire ..... 67
- XIII. The Employment of Spies ..... 70
The Sayings of Sun Tzu
- Introduction ..... 75
- I. The Government of a Country ..... 77
- II. Estimation of the Enemy ..... 85
- III. Control of the Army ..... 93
- IV. Qualities of the General ..... 101
- V. Suiting the Occasion ..... 108
- VI. Encouragement of the Troops ..... 113
Reading :The Attack by Stratagem
Sun, the Master, said:—
By the laws of war, it is better to take a country without strife than to defeat it by fire and sword. Better to capture the enemy’s army intact than to overcome it after fierce resistance. Better to capture the Lu, the Tsu, or the Wu whole than to destroy them in battle.
To fight and conquer a hundred times is not the perfection of attainment, for the supreme art is to subdue the enemy without fighting. Therefore, the most skilful warrior outwits the enemy by superior stratagem; the next in merit prevents the enemy from uniting his forces; next to him is he who engages the enemy’s army; while to besiege his citadel is the worst expedient.
A siege should not be undertaken if it can possibly be avoided. Before a siege can be commenced, three months are required for the construction of stages, battering‑rams, and siege engines; then a further three months are required in front of the citadel to make the Chuyin.
Thus the general becomes angered, his patience exhausted, and his men surge like ants against the ramparts before the time is ripe. One‑third of them are killed to no purpose. Such are the misfortunes that sieges entail.
Therefore, the master of war causes the enemy’s forces to yield without fighting; he captures his fortress without besieging it; and without lengthy conflict he takes the enemy’s kingdom. Without tarnishing his weapons, he gains the victory.
Published 1908
Translated by Calthrop, Everard Ferguson, 1876-1915
Publisher London J. Murray
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