Sun Wu, the Master of War - Divine Wisdom and Virtue

Author: Yu Peijie
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: During the Spring and Autumn Period, outstanding figures emerged one after another. Sun Wu, with his extraordinary military talent, profound logical thinking, and vast moral and compassionate heart, completed a comprehensive and systematic treatise on military strategy, unparalleled in ancient times and unmatched in the future. Sun Wu came from a family of military strategists; his grandfather Sun Shu and uncle Tian Rangju were both renowned generals and military scholars. After serving in the state of Wu, Sun Wu led the unprecedented Battle of Qiyi, defeating the powerful state of Chu with only 30,000 troops against their 200,000. Such a battle example is rare in the history of world warfare. The Warring States Period military strategist Wei Lüozzi said, "Who can command 30,000 troops and be unmatched in the world? It is Sun Wu." Emperor Taizong Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty said, "Among all military books, none surpass Sun Wu's." Wang Anshi even said, "Using even a few words from Sun Wu can lead to success and fame." Li Zan believed, "Sun Wu was the most sacred and divine among sages, unmatched by anyone in the world for all eternity." Ji Xiaolan, in the "Siku Quanshu," said, "Sun Wu's military treatise is the foundation of military discussions for generations." Liang Qichao went even further, stating, "The 'Art of War' by Sun Wu embodies the essence of military strategy, and even Napoleon's military tactics could not surpass its scope." Sun Wu was not just a warrior who used military force to kill; he was also a philosopher who deeply understood human emotions and affairs. He was at ease on the battlefield and equally clear-sighted as a courtier. His wise decision to retire at the right time inspired countless heroes and geniuses. The "Art of War" has now become a spiritual treasure for people worldwide, its influence extending far beyond the military to fields such as economics, management, and literature. Unfortunately, historical records about Sun Wu's life are scarce, which has posed great challenges for artistic creation. The author of this book, adhering to the principle of combining history and logic, has strived to trace the thinking and behavior of people at that time, capturing the social atmosphere and spirit of the era, thereby achieving an artistic portrayal of this national giant, Sun Wu.