Premium Essay

Sun Tzu

In:

Submitted By franzr72
Words 702
Pages 3
Ancient Theories for a Modern Strategy There are numerous books on warfare but not many that have been relevant for two and a half thousand years. Sun Tzu was a general in the Kingdom of Wu in China around 490BC. His text was translated from Chinese to French in 1782 and it has been suggested that it was the key to Napoleon's success. To this day, military strategists around the world have used Sun Tzu’s philosophies to win wars and have made Sun Tzu on the Art of War a staple of their military education. Sun Tzu’s theories on war are timeless to both military and civilian strategists. His theories are as relevant today as they were in 500 B.C. Sun Tzu’s work covers all levels and spectrum of war. It provides fairly simple but applicable guidance from tactical aspects for the commander in the battlefield for waging war to strategic deliberations in the council chambers as to whether or not to wage war.( Cook,99) The principles that lie buried in the text of The Art of War have been used successfully in countless battles throughout time. Speed was an essential facet in the victories of Genghis Khan and his Mongolian horde. Controlling their enemies by the skillful use of alliances allowed the Romans to expand and maintain their empire. Secrecy and deception were used in major World War II battles, both by the Japanese in their attack on Pearl Harbor and by the Allies to mislead the Germans about the exact location of their invasion of France. The use of intelligence was critical to American success in the Cuban missile crisis. The Viet Cong lived by the rule of avoiding strength and attacking weakness, while the Red Army used this principle to deal Germany's Sixth Army a devastating defeat at Stalingrad. Sun Tzu's principles were put to the test in Desert Storm. By controlling the air both to follow Iraqi movements and mask his own, General Norman

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Sun Tzu

...Sun Tzu Verses Great Military Leaders Military 301 Great Military Leaders Abstract Sun Tzu a great military leader, designed many principles in which he felt if followed you would have the ability defeat any enemy. Three of Sun Tzu’s principles were preparation, know yourself and your enemy, and deception. One must always prepare for battle. In this preparation process, one must learn their enemy. You have to learn their strengths and weaknesses. You must also learn your strengths and weaknesses. One of Sun Tzu’s keys principles of being a good leader is leadership, being able to communicate clear and concise orders and having the ability to motivate your subordinate leaders to execute your exact orders without hesitation. Subordinates must have the discipline to execute the mission upon receipt. This is Sun Tzu’s principle of knowing yourself. Sun Tzu also practiced the art of deception. Which in many ways similar to deception techniques used by General Patton and General Washington when flanking their enemies. I will show you these principles and the principles of some of our great leaders throughout history. I will show how many of these leaders’ principles and beliefs were very much alike and used throughout history during different periods. Some of these great leaders are Napoleon Bonaparte, General George Patton, and John Moore. We can see through the analyzing of battles throughout history Sun Tzu’s principles are effective and taught by many today....

Words: 1032 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Sun Tzu

...History of Sun Zi Art of War The Art of War or “Sun Wu’s Military Science” is a Chinese military treatise written by Sun Tzu during the spring and autumn period in the 6th century BC. The book is composed of 13 chapters, with the first chapter "laying plans" as the principal line. It consists of laying plans, waging war, strategic attack, disposition of the army, forces, weakness and strengths, military manoeuvres, variations and adaptability, movement and deployment of troops, terrain, the nine battlegrounds, attacking with fire, and lastly, intelligence and espionage. Sun Zi Art of War is one of the oldest and successful books on military strategy. It presents a philosophy of war in managing conflicts ad winning battles. Its strategies and philosophical thoughts stated have been widely practiced and used in all fields such as military affairs, politics and economics especially in the business nowadays. The Art of War was translated into the French language in the year of 1772 by French Jesuit Jean Joseph Marie Amiot. It was then translated into English by British officer Everard Ferguson Calthrop in the year of 1905. It has influenced military leaders such as Napoleon Bonarpate, Mao Zedong, Vo Nguyen Giap and General Douglas MacArthur.(The Art of War - Chinese Ancient Military Treatise, n.d.) During the Sengoku era in Japan, a Samurai named Takeda Shingen is said to have become nearly invincible in battle without relying on guns.(as cited in Shawn Conners, Lionel Giles...

Words: 258 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Sun Tzu

...Sun Tzu “The Art of War” The story that struck me the most was the first story of Sun Tzu of the concubines of the Han dynasty. Through strict demonstration Sun Tzu was able to discipline the concubines who were considered useless in a war. This was not to train them to be a warrior but through this test, Sun Tzu was able to prove himself. This shows that an action speaks a thousand sound words. By proving his capability he was able to get the position of a general. This can be applied to our current life where in it is important to prove our worth through our actions and results. The most important principle of Sun Tzu for me is to attack an enemy’s weakness not to go head-on with the strength of one. This is practical in a way that by avoiding contending with the enemy’s strength, a business is able to save resources which would have been wasted in doing so. By attacking the weakness one can save resources and clashing with the contender. It allows you to properly allocate limited resources and maximize profit which is a business’ primary purpose. This is also the way I think, example would be a Korean who is able to speak English as fluently, which is my case. Instead of going to an English speaking country, I plan to work in a country with less English and Korean speakers, such as Taiwan. By working in such a country, I will be learning their language and will still be able to use the other two foreign languages which will be to my advantage that others cannot. It is...

Words: 333 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Sun Tzu Chapter 4

...The moral victory is the only way that any state/global power should employ to minimize wars in both number and severity, to reduce unnecessary risks and costs, and to avoid prolonged operations resulting in draining of its human and tangible resources when in war. 1. According to Sun Tzu, one of the most influential military thinkers of all time, the height of strategy is to subdue enemy without fight, by conquering his mind and his strategy, isolating and demoralizing him, pushing him to abandon his political objectives, breaking his will to resist. “Generally in war the best policy is to take a state intact; to ruin it is inferior to this. … For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill” (Sun Tzu, The Art of War. Chapter 3, P.77, 1, 3.) “Thus, those skilled in war subdue the enemy’s army without battle. They capture his cities without assaulting them and overthrow his state without protracted operations.” (Chapter 3, P.79, 10)...

Words: 590 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Sun Tzu Chapter 1 Analysis

...Sun Tzu believed that to win a war without a battle the general has to apply properly his moral strength and intellectual faculty to attack the mind of the enemy. Before engaging in war the skilled commander has to conduct a thorough preparatory work. Sun Tzu distinguishes a number of conditions, which are critical to succeed: - The general has to possess the most accurate and full information about the enemy. The power of accurate information and knowledge of the enemy (his strategy, plans and actions) is essential. Sun Tzu said: If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, your chances of winning or losing are equal. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will perish in every battle. (Chapter 3, P.84. 31-33) By having knowledge of the enemy’s needs and weaknesses, general can leverage all of the factors at his disposition to show the enemy what he wants to see. He can create an illusion that what he shows the enemy is what the...

Words: 469 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Sun Tzu Versus Carl Von Clausewitz

...producing a kind of friction that is inconceivable unless one has experienced war." -Carl von Clausewitz When one talks of those who fought in war, names like Patton, Churchill, Napoleon, and Gallic comes to mind. But the words and strategy of Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz works appear more than anyone in history of war. Although separated by centuries between them, their principles, ideas, and theories are studied thoroughly by militaries across the world. Although they shared many of the same ideas, does not mean they were in total agreement. In fact their theories diverge in certain areas. The most diverged area amongst the two was their idea of reaching the end of victory. Sun Tzu defines victory as taking a state intact. He says it is better to capture the enemy then to destroy them. “To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme skill.” Sun Tzu also states that you should not allow your enemies to come together; you should severe and destroy your enemies’ alliances. The preferred methods for success in these matters would be the use of diplomacy, propaganda, and secret agents.  By undermining the enemy’s plans and allies in this way, the need for actual battle became unnecessary for victory (Sun Tzu, The Art of War, p. 78).  Carl Von Clausewitz view on this is in total disagreement. He believes in the destruction of the enemies’ army, the conquest of his territory, and the breaking of the enemies’ wills (Carl Von Clausewitz, On War, p. 102-105)....

Words: 2281 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Sun Tzu, El Arte de La Guerra

...es/ddragon/ Sun Tzu El Arte de la Guerra El Arte de la Guerra es el mejor libro de estrategia de todos los tiempos. Inspiró a Napoleón, Maquiavelo, Mao Tse Tung y muchas más figuras históricas. Este libro de dos quinientos mil años de antigüedad, es uno de los más importantes textos clásicos chinos, en el que, a pesar del tiempo transcurrido, ninguna de sus máximas ha quedado anticuada, ni hay un solo consejo que hoy no sea útil. Pero la obra del general Sun Tzu no es únicamente un libro de práctica militar, sino un tratado que enseña la estrategia suprema de aplicar con sabiduría el conocimiento de la naturaleza humana en los momentos de confrontación. No es, por tanto, un libro sobre la guerra; es una obra para comprender las raíces de un conflicto y buscar una solución. “la mejor victoria es vencer sin combatir”, nos dice Sun Tzu, “y ésa es la distinción entre le hombre prudente y el ignorante”. Indice Introducción: Sun Tzu y el "Arte de la Guerra" 1. Sobre la evaluación 2. Sobre la iniciación de las acciones 3. Sobre las proposiciones de la victoria y la derrota 4. Sobre la medida en la disposición de los medios 5. Sobre la firmeza 6. Sobre lo lleno y lo vacío 7. Sobre el enfrentamiento directo e indirecto 8. Sobre los nueve cambios 9. Sobre la distribución de los medios 10. Sobre la topología 11. Sobre las clases de terreno 12. Sobre el arte de atacar por el fuego 13. sobre la concordia y la discordia INTRODUCCION Sun Tzu, El Arte de la Guerra Sun Tzu fué un general...

Words: 14930 - Pages: 60

Free Essay

El Arte de La Guerra Por Sun Tzu

...El arte de la Guerra por Sun Tzu Nombre: Evelyn Del Cisne Bustamante Reyes Paralelo: 154 Gran parte de la historia de la humanidad se ha definido en los campos de batalla y unos de las grandes preocupaciones del ser humano fue pensar y planificar la guerra, entonces los grandes luchadores nos recuerdan a los filósofos o pensadores en la que sus nombres pasaron a la inmortalidad, uno de ellos es Sun Tzu que escribió el libro el arte de la guerra hace muchos años, que transformo por completo la perspectiva de la guerra. Este libro contiene las tácticas, estrategias y claves para ganar en la guerra y en la vida y nos ayudara a resolver grandes enigmas militares que han pasado en la historia, si entendemos el arte de la guerra siempre prevaleceremos y si lo ignoramos lucharemos en la oscuridad. Para entrenar a un buen ejército primero hay que enseñarles las maniobras importantes y luego darles órdenes, si estas tropas no acatan las órdenes la falla es del general pero si las órdenes fueron claras será culpa de la milicia que no fueran obedecidas. Unas de las principales claves que destacan de Sun Tzu son: conoce a tu adversario y conócete a ti mismo y en ningún combate te encontraras en amenaza; triunfar en muchas peleas no es lo máximo de tus habilidades sino dominar a tu adversario sin enfrentarse. Siempre es bueno rebasar al oponente utilizando el mínimo de recursos, la mínima cantidad de devastación y ganar con la inteligencia mas que con la fuerza siempre atacando...

Words: 1439 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Business and Non Business Novel Synthesis

...successfully applied just as effectively as those skills learned in the business work place. I became more and more convinced of this statement after reading two relatively similar books on the topics of War and personal success. Although both topics seem farfetched and distant from each other they happen to contain a lot of similar themes and ideas. Contrary to what the title suggests, the main point of the “Art of War” is to convince readers that in times of war or conflict, information and knowledge are the greatest weapons one can possess. Many individuals tend to look at the book in the wrong light simply due to the fact that it has the word “war” in its title. Scholars believe that the Art of War was written around 2,500 years ago. Sun Tsu (the author of the novel) was a high-ranking military general who took his endeavors as serious as any other high profile military figure. The business based novel I selected (book #2) to read is titled “Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us”. Drive is written by Daniel H. Pink, A critically acclaimed writer and Yale/NorthWestern university professor. While both books are similar and contain elements of non-fiction advise. “Drive’s” central argument is that “Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose” should be the three most practiced areas or fields for 21st century studies and works. I found the most reoccurring theme to be the importance of individuality and individual autonomy. In other words, allowing people to do things the way...

Words: 1721 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

The Art of War

...Book Report on The Art of War by Sun Tzu Military Science 2020 “Stimulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; stimulated fear postulates courage; stimulated weakness postulates strength” (Tzu, pg. 20) “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu is a book that contains leadership lessons for everyone. The book was first written in 490 BC in the Kingdom of Wu. In 512 BC, he became the general for the King of Wu. The book contains thirteen chapters showcasing strategies to face challenges and overcome complex problems. The chapters outlines attack by stratagem; tactical dispositions; energy; weak points and strong; maneuvering; variation of tactics; the army on the march; terrain; the nine situations; the attack by fire; and the use of spies. “The Art of War” is read by people in military careers, business professionals, management professionals, and basically anyone in a field where people interaction is vital to the success of an operation. “The Art of War” is not a book that exploits on war and the glory or honor that comes with winning a battle, but instead, it focuses on realizing reckless mistakes that can be avoided and abuse of power. Popular war books are bombarded with stories of death, destruction, and sad aftermaths of war. This book teaches lessons that can change the way daily situations are handled. In return, the result will have a positive outcome on relationships between countries, leaders, and business owners. Any person that decides to forget the past or doesn’t...

Words: 1055 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

What Is Strategic Management, and Why Is It Critical to the Success of an Organization in Meeting Its Goals and Mission?

...APPLE, Inc. What is Strategic Management, and why is it critical to the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission? What is Strategic Management? The concept of "strategy" is based in a war scenario, the constant fights and battles over the centuries have caused the military to start thinking before you act- the battles are analyzed and planned in advance. In General Sun Tzu’s words: “The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought.” When translating it to today’s Strategic Management’s words, it means: “Those companies and individuals who win in the business world make much calculation, planning and deliberations on their strategy and plans. Those who plan less have lower chance of success, much less those who don’t plan anything at all.” (Soo, 2011). Developing a Strategic Planning increases the likelihood that in the future, the organization will be in the right place at the right time. Strategic Management collects all activities and processes utilized by an organization in order to align resources and actions with mission, vision and strategy throughout the organization. When applied correctly, strategic management activities transform the vision into performance and enable the plan to evolve and grow as requirements and other circumstances change. Apple – Both sides of the fruit The right side In researching the Apple’s success, we can find a myriad of reports appreciating this fact....

Words: 1406 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Sunzi

...Introduction to Sun Tzu's Art of War Sun Tzu's The Art of War is the most famous work on military operations in ancient China. Being the oldest military treatise in the world, it is one of the greatest cultural legacies of the Chinese nation. Sun Tzu's The Art of War is a classic on military operations and the most influential in the world today. Sun Tzu or Sun Zi (孙子) is traditionally believed to be the author of The Art of War. Sun has had a significant impact on Chinese and Asian history and culture, both as an author of the Art of War and as a legendary figure. Historians have questioned whether or not Sun was an authentic historical figure. Traditional accounts place him in the Spring and Autumn Period of China (722–481 BCE) as a heroic general of the King of Wu who lived c. 544—496 BCE. Scholars accepting his historicity place his supposed writing The Art of War in the Warring States Period (476–221 BCE), based on the descriptions of warfare in the text. Traditional accounts state that his descendant, Sun Bin, also wrote a master treatise on military tactics. Historians have questioned whether or not Sun was a real historical figure. According to traditional sources, such as the 2nd century BCE biography written by Sima Qian, Sun was born in Qi (now Shandong Province) during the Spring and Autumn Period of China (722–481 BCE). His real family name is Tian, but the last name of Sun was given by King of Qi State to his family when his grandfather, a general for Qi...

Words: 851 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Waging War

...who wishes to fight must first count the cost," which prepares us for the discovery that the subject of the chapter is not what we might expect from the title, but is primarily a consideration of ways and means.] 1. Sun Tzu said: In the operations of war, where there are in the field a thousand swift chariots, as many heavy chariots, and a hundred thousand mail-clad soldiers, [The "swift chariots" were lightly built and, according to Chang Yu, used for the attack; the "heavy chariots" were heavier, and designed for purposes of defense. Li Ch`uan, it is true, says that the latter were light, but this seems hardly probable. It is interesting to note the analogies between early Chinese warfare and that of the Homeric Greeks. In each case, the war- chariot was the important factor, forming as it did the nucleus round which was grouped a certain number of foot-soldiers. With regard to the numbers given here, we are informed that each swift chariot was accompanied by 75 footmen, and each heavy chariot by 25 footmen, so that the whole army would be divided up into a thousand battalions, each consisting of two chariots and a hundred men.] with provisions enough to carry them a thousand LI, [2.78 modern LI go to a mile. The length may have varied slightly since Sun Tzu's time.] the expenditure at home and at the front, including entertainment of guests, small items such as glue and paint, and sums spent on chariots and armor, will reach the total of a thousand ounces of silver per...

Words: 1582 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

People Are People

...Executive Summary (art of war) Sun Tzu was an ancient Chinese military general, strategist and philosopher whose teachings are based on the principles of the Taoist religion. He is the author of one of the most prominent pieces of literature during the era of the Warring States in which China entered around the first millennium B.C.E. In this work of art Sun Tzu takes a rational approach to the problem of conflict and dissects every aspect of it. He details how to overcome a conflict using specific procedures and methods. The main objectives when engaging in war, according to Tzu, are to evaluate your environment, identify your strengths and weaknesses as well as those of your opponent, and develop a full proof strategy based on these assessments. He defines and calls the reader to actions such as planning sieges, effectively forming your army, using force, maneuvering your army, using espionage and fire attacks, and a host of other related behaviors. Although contradictory to the title of the book, Sun Tzu’s primary message is that the peak efficiency of knowledge and strategy come from either avoiding conflict or making it unnecessary altogether. He writes, “To overcome others’ armies without fighting is the best of skills.” In conveying this message Sun Tzu does not attempt to persuade one to back down or run away from conflict. He is instead suggesting that if one strategically assesses the situation effectively, one should be able to defeat the opponent with one’s mind,...

Words: 414 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Art of War

...Art of War The Art of War 2 Principles of Management 105 Jessica Sanders June 17, 2012 The Five Key Lessons from The Art of War The Art of War is a very interesting book consisting of 13 chapter of how successful wars are overcome written by Sun Tzu in 500BC. The Art of War was written on vertical bamboo strips each no longer than a chop stick. Each stick contained 15-25 Chinese characters that were later stitched together. Inside the 13 chapters of The Art of War lie the secrets to success, which was hidden for a thousand years. Sun Tzu stated if you follow his principles you will prevail, but if you ignore them you will lose. He stated that he could turn anyone into a soldier. He appointed leaders, but women did not take him serious. They thought his orders were funny. One of Sun Tzu principles stated that if the orders are unclear it is the fault of the general that the troops do not obey, but if the orders are clear, it is the fault of the subordinate officers that the orders are not obeyed. Sun Tzu killed his first two appointed leaders for disobeying his orders. Every then followed him. He then became commander of Wu Army. Sun Tzu's principle war is a matter of life and death which is key principle of his teachings, and once understood everyone will be motivated to win. His most important principles were to know your enemy and know yourself and in 100 battles you will never be in peril. He stated that understanding...

Words: 536 - Pages: 3