Following the awesomeness of Achilles (link), the next one in the line of heroes takes a little more passive role. Sun Tzu is most famous for writing the Art of War, often famously quoted with “all warfare is based on deception” or a paraphrasing of some sort.

Biography

Little less is known about the personal life of Sun Tzu as unlike Achilles, his major feats were not noted down in an epic poem. What we do know (if he was real of course) is that he was born as Sun Wu around 500 B.C. and became a general for the king of Wu. Not much else is known about him personally, and the only anecdote I could find was stolen straight from wikipedia;

According to Sima Qian, the king of Wu tested Sun Tzu’s skill, commanding him to train a harem of three hundred sixty concubines. Sun Tzu divided them into two companies, appointing the two concubines most favored by the king as the company commanders. Sun Tzu received giggles when he first commanded the companies, telling them in response that the general is at fault if his soldiers do not understand. He taught the maneuver to them again, and again they laughed and tittered. Sun Tzu ordered the execution of the two favored concubines, to the king’s vigorous protest. He explained that if his soldiers understand but do not obey, it is the fault of the officers. Sun Tzu also said once a general receives his orders, it is his duty to carry them out perfectly, even if the king protests. New officers were named and the two companies performed their maneuvers flawlessly thereafter.

What is known is that he was more or less a brilliant strategist and wrote his experience and advice down in the Art of War. It contains a complete foundation of solving ‘conflicts’ in general, concerning not only warfare, but also finds it field of application in politics and business.

The book is credited with immense influence. The first emperor of a united China claims tremendous help from the text, as well as Napoleon back in Europe. Chinese dictator Mao Zedong also claims inspiration from the same source. Currently the book still remains widely popular throughout the world and is even considered mandatory reading for some colleges and even manager positions!

Legacy

The Art of War is still quoted today, roughly 2,500 years after being written down. Presumeably, it has had immense influence over its many years of existence. Furthermore many succesful leaders, military, political and business claim the Art of War has been a great source of inspiration for themselves.

And last but least, it graces a beautiful spot on my own book shelf.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 15th, 2008 at 11:36 pm and is filed under Philosophy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.