Five Thousand Years of China - History that Young People Should Know (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Zhang Chaosheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Sun Wu's military thought is systematically recorded in The Art of War. Sun Wu emphasized the impact of war on society and the people, saying, "Using military force is a major matter for the state, concerning life and death, and cannot be ignored." He also specifically stated, "Dispatching 100,000 troops to march a thousand miles away incurs enormous costs for the state and its people. It also affects all aspects of society, with 700,000 households impacted." Therefore, he advocated for restraint in military action: "One cannot go to war unless it benefits the state; one cannot go to war unless it concerns the state's survival. The ruler should not wage war out of anger toward another country, nor should the general go to war out of anger. Anger and frustration have no lasting effect—they may turn into happiness and joy over time. However, once war breaks out, the state may perish, and the people may suffer massive casualties. A perished state cannot be rebuilt, and the dead cannot be brought back to life. Therefore, wise rulers and outstanding generals must always remember this."
Sun Wu believed that the primary condition for winning a war is for the ruler to govern wisely. Only with wise governance can the ruler earn the people's support, leading to unity and a shared pursuit of victory. The outcome of war is closely tied to the relationship between the general and the army. A general should possess wisdom, integrity, courage, strictness, and benevolence. He should love his soldiers as his own children and administer rewards and punishments clearly. Sun Wu famously said, "Know your enemy and know yourself, and you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." In war, it is essential to understand the situation of both sides to achieve invincibility. If one only knows their own situation, or only knows the enemy's situation, or fails to understand the terrain, they cannot win in battle.
Sun Wu believed that the battlefield situation is ever-changing, and commanders must adapt to circumstances, seize opportunities, and achieve victory. His famous saying is, "No army has a permanent formation, and water has no fixed shape. Those who can adapt to changes and win by doing so are called divine." Sun Wu also discussed strategies such as avoiding the enemy's (sharp momentum), attacking the weak points, striking the enemy when unprepared, as well as fire attacks and espionage.
Sun Wu's military theory has had a profound influence on later generations. Many famous military strategists and generals throughout history have thoroughly studied The Art of War. During the Three Kingdoms period, the military strategist Cao Cao said, "I have read many military books, but only Sun Wu's works are truly profound." Around the 7th century, The Art of War was introduced to Japan, and after the 18th century, it spread to various European countries, gaining recognition in foreign military circles. During the Warring States period, Sun Wu's descendant Sun Bin was also a renowned military strategist who created classic battles such as "Surrounding Wei to Rescue Zhao" and the "Battle of Malin," and wrote The Art of War by Sun Bin. P41-42