Sun Wu

Author: Wei Yi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features: Throughout the long history of China's millennia-old civilization, numerous renowned figures have emerged, including thinkers, politicians, military strategists, scientists, educators, writers, and medical scholars. They followed the course of history, stood at the forefront of their own eras, harbored grand ideals, and with broad perspectives and wise minds, examined history, observed society, and acted as role models. Some dedicated themselves to national unification, others broke with tradition and innovation, some invented and created, some nurtured talented individuals, some wrote poetry and prose, and some saved lives and cured illnesses.
Sun Wu, a native of Qi, was a military strategist of the late Spring and Autumn period. This book, with concise text and vivid illustrations, presents the story of Sun Wu presenting the "Thirteen Strategies" to King Hui of Wu, earning his respect, being appointed as a general, and participating in planning and leading the Wu army to conquer the State of Chu. Sun Wu's "The Art of War" is profound and extensive in content, emphasizing that "war is a matter of life and death for a state." It proposes the military epistemology of "knowing your enemy and knowing yourself, and you will be invincible in a hundred battles." It stresses understanding and comprehensively analyzing the situations of both sides to achieve victory; it also emphasizes the flexible application of strategies and tactics, embodying rich elements of naive materialism and dialectics. It has been widely disseminated around the world, highly regarded, and has had a profound influence, being recognized as the "Holy Classic of Military Strategy" and the "Foremost Military Classic." Sun Wu is therefore known as the "Military Sage" and the "Forefather of Eastern Military Strategy."