About Sun Tzu
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Biography
Biography
Sun Wu (c. 545-470 BCE), courtesy name Changqing, was from Le'an, Qi State (present-day Huimin, Shandong) during the Spring and Autumn period, later moved to Wu State. He was a famous ancient Chinese military strategist and philosopher, revered as the "Sage of War." Born into nobility, he studied military strategy from childhood. Due to civil strife in Qi, he moved to Wu with his family. He was highly valued in Wu, assisting King Helü of Wu, repeatedly commanding Wu forces to defeat Chu armies and capturing the Chu capital Ying. He authored "The Art of War," one of the world's earliest military theoretical works.
Philosophical System
Philosophical System
Sun Wu's military philosophy centered on "know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated," emphasizing the importance of intelligence gathering and enemy-self analysis. He proposed "war is the way of deception," advocating flexible use of tactics and surprise attacks. He emphasized "subduing the enemy without fighting," believing the highest military art is winning without battle. He focused on strategic analysis of "five factors and seven considerations," systematically expounding the laws and principles of war. His thoughts embodied simple dialectical and systematic viewpoints.
Major Works
Major Works
"The Art of War," also called "Sun Wu's Art of War," consists of thirteen chapters including "Laying Plans," "Waging War," "Attack by Stratagem," etc. The book systematically expounds basic laws of war and combat principles, proposing many important military thoughts and strategies. Famous sayings from the book like "know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated," "speed is the essence of war," and "attack where unprepared, appear where unexpected" are still widely quoted today. The book is praised as the "Sacred Classic of Military Science" and a treasure of world military culture.
Historical Significance
Historical Significance
Sun Wu was the greatest military theorist in ancient China, revered as the "Sage of War." "The Art of War" is not only a military classic but also an important work of philosophy and management, profoundly influencing military thought in China and worldwide. His military theories are still widely studied and applied in military academies and business schools worldwide. Sun Wu's thoughts transcended pure military scope, having important value in politics, diplomacy, business, and other fields.
Cultural Influence
Cultural Influence
Sun Wu is revered as the "Sage of War," and "The Art of War" became an important source of military thought in China and worldwide. Military strategists throughout history have studied his works and learned his strategic thinking. The book not only influenced Chinese military culture but also spread worldwide, being translated into many languages. In modern times, the thoughts of "The Art of War" are widely applied in business management, political diplomacy, and other fields, demonstrating the universal value and eternal charm of his ideas.
Key Concepts
Key Concepts
Sage of War (historical status), The Art of War (representative work), know yourself and enemy (strategic thought), subdue enemy without fighting (highest realm), war is deception (tactical principle), five factors seven considerations (analysis method), speed is essence of war (combat requirement)
Quotes by Sun Tzu
Explore the essence of this wise thinker's thoughts
Speed is the essence of war
兵贵神速。
Source: The Art of War - The Nine Situations
To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill. This wisdom from Sun Tzu Art of War quotes represents supreme excellence.
不战而屈人之兵，善之善者也。
Source: The Art of War - Chapter on Waging War by Sun Tzu
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. This is one of the most famous Sun Tzu Art of War quotes.
知己知彼，百战不殆。
Source: The Art of War - Attack by Stratagem