Sun Tzu's Art of War Calligraphy Practice Book

Author: Lu Zhongnan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Synopsis This calligraphy workbook is written in two common styles—regular script and running script—by the renowned young calligrapher Lu Zhongnan. Lu Zhongnan's pen calligraphy features rigorous structure, elegant strokes, standardized writing, and unique characteristics. The content is the complete text of The Art of War, one of China's earliest and greatest military treatises. It is suitable for calligraphy enthusiasts to practice and study. Excerpt: Courage and strict discipline are essential. The method (fa) involves organization, command posts, and resources. In all these five aspects, a general must be aware. Those who understand will prevail, while those who do not will not. Therefore, compare and analyze the situation by assessing the following: Is the ruler virtuous? Is the general capable? Does the army have favorable terrain? Are the laws enforced? Is the army strong? Are the soldiers well-trained? Is the system of rewards and punishments clear? With this, I can determine the outcome. If the general follows my advice, use it and you will win—keep him. If the general does not follow my advice, use it and you will lose—discard him. Calculate the advantages and listen to the counsel, then create momentum to support your external actions. Momentum is to take advantage of favorable conditions to adapt to circumstances. War is about deception. Therefore, appear weak when strong, and appear strong when weak; appear distant when near, and appear near when distant. Use benefits to lure them, chaos to seize them, strength to prepare against them, and dominance to avoid them. Anger to provoke them, humility to make them arrogant, rest to tire them, and closeness to create division. Attack when unprepared and strike when unexpected.