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Book Report (1) In order to kill the enemy, our men must be roused to anger; that there may be advantage from defeating the enemy, they must have their rewards - this is one of the most famous quotations from the book The Art of War by Sun Tzu, written in sixth century B. C. This book has repeatedly being recalled as the ultimate collection of military wisdom by the historians and military leaders, throughout the world. I have always being fascinated by military romanticism, therefore, it came quite naturally for me to choose this book, as the object of my analysis.
The reason why I think that The Art of War is one of the most remarkable of examples of ancient literature is because of its universal properties. As a matter of fact, it became more read book in the Europe than anywhere else. For the first time it was brought to the Europe by the French missionaries, about two centuries ago. It is being rumored to be the Napoleon's most favorite book, as well as Hitler's. During the last two thousand years, it remained the most important piece of military literature in Asia, were even the commoners knew its name. The Chinese, Korean and Japanese soldiers used to study it in the most thorough manner.
For more than thousand of years, Tzu's concepts used to be the subject of numerous controversies. Even though that the book was being translated into the English many times, it is still being translated over and over, on continuous basis. This is because the strategical thought is closely related to the original language it was being written in. What I like the best about the book is the fact that it is absolutely deprived of any kind moralist, which the European literature of Christian era is known for. This is another reason I choose The Art of War over other books. It is like a breath of fresh air, being practical and theoretical, at the same time.
The war is shown in it as natural state of human affairs, which I always suspected to be the case. Its praises military profession as honorable and most suited for men - a very controversial thought, in time when in American schools, the boys are being encouraged to surrender their toy guns, in exchange for dolls, because it is believed to make them more tolerant. Nowadays, the pacifism, promoted by the state, causes young men to grow into selfish whiners, without the sense of duty, who are being unable to think of themselves in the social context. Therefore, it is just a matter of time, before The Art of War is going to be declared as politically incorrect by the Liberals.
I wanted to take the opportunity to analyse this book, while it is still can be found in the libraries. This was another motivation for me to choose in favor of Tzu's book. (2) In China, The Art of War is rightfully considered as such that represents the principles of Asian military strategy in the most complete form. Also, even though that The Art of War originally meant to serve as strictly practical application, it is always being valued as the fine literature piece, as well. As far back as in 6 th century A. D. , the founder of Chinese literature criticism, Lu Se, used to refer to Tzu's book as treasure box. The other Chinese ancient philosopher, Chen Hou described The Art of War as filled with simple and clear ideas, which, at the same time, are wise and can be applied to just about anything.
For the long time The Art of War was being considered as the most ancient example of Chinese military thought, with other books referred to as second rated, at best. Many historians suggest that it was written by Sun U, who is known to be the famous military leader in China in 6 th century. But others were unable to find any proof of Sun U's authorship. They point out to the fact that the concept of global war, found on Tzu's book, did not play any important role in the wars of that time. Still, those who suggest that The Art of War must be dated earlier than 6 th century, have certain edge, because the excerpts from the original text are being found in other ancient manuscripts of the same time time, which points out to the fact that The Art of War is actually more ancient than it is thought to be. The compressed and abstract style of Tzu's sayings suggest that the book was being written in time when Chinese language was in the stage of formation.
The best proof of Tzu's book historical authenticity is the fact that the geographical names, mentioned in it, fully correspond to the historical data, which is available to us now. In present time, the authenticity of The Art of War is recognized by the majority of historians. (3) The Art of War consists of thirteen chapters of varied size, where each of them is dedicated to its own topic. In time when it was written, the war between states often led to the elimination of nation's statehood's. That is why Sun Tzu was well aware that the victory can only be achieved if the whole nation mobilizes itself for the task.
His approach to dealing with military matters of very analytical. He says that it is important to make sure that soldiers will not even consider desertion, and the best way to accomplish it, is to have all their needs satisfied. Sun Tzu tells that the true goal of every military leader should be capturing enemy states by the mean of diplomacy, without even having to fight: Therefore the skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field (Sun Tzu, Chapter 3, 6). Every time, when it is possible, the state leaders should strive to avoid the bloodshed. It is only justifiable to use the force, when the enemy threatens the very existence of the state. But even than, the goal of every military campaign, should be achieving the victory with as least casualties as possible, on both sides.
Throughout the book, author insists that the military leaders need to be avoiding armed confrontation with the enemy, before getting an upper hand. The emotionalism should not play any role in making decisions. The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him (Sun Tzu, Chapter 6, 2). The army should never be assembled, without an utter necessity.
Leaders need to make sure that the half of the victory is already being achieved, before the battle begins. Also, it is important to take the advantage of natural settings, where the battle is to take place and to not allow the enemy to do the same. The essence of Tzu's concept revolves around leader's ability to actually make the enemy act in the way he wants, which creates the condition for the easy victory. As a part of it, Tzu classifies the landscapes and comes up with the different advices of how to build tactic in every particular case. According to the author, the enemy needs to be lured out in the open, where is being attacked by the small friendly units, thus depriving the enemy soldiers of courage and keeping them tired. Trying to avoid a major battles is the sign of general's wireless, not the cowardice: In respect of military method, we have, firstly, Measurement; secondly, Estimation of quantity; thirdly, Calculation; fourthly, Balancing of chances; fifthly, Victory (Sun Tzu, Chapter 4, 17).
The most important principle is go where you are not expected, attack the enemy where it's unprepared. But this principle can only be applied when the complete secrecy is achieved and also, when the iron discipline is maintained, within the army. War, according to the author, is the way of deception, of spreading false information and applying different tricks. When the campaign of deception is skilfully organized, the enemy will not know where to attack and where to expect to be attack. This will prompt it to commit a fatal mistakes: Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near (Sun Tzu, Chapter 4, 17). In order to be able to keep an upper hand on situation, at all times, it is necessary to seek all kind of information about the enemy by deploying spies.
The fundamental military law says to never rely on the odd circumstances or on the will of others. Instead, the military leader must insure that the surprise attack, on the part of the enemy is impossible, in principle. Throughout his book, Sun Tzu discusses the most important premise of the victory the creation of organization, which controls highly disciplined troops. He also suggest that the victorious spirit, among the soldiers, is also a very important factor, which cannot be underestimated. But, in its turn, it depends on whether the troops were being adequately fed and equipped. When soldiers are taken good care of, by their commanders, they will fight courageously.
Also, author tells us that the commander should try to avoid confrontation with the enemy, when its troops are in high spirits. The enemy might be exhausted, but nevertheless, resolved to fight to the end. In this case, the battle should be avoided, as well: When an army feeds its horses with grain and kills its cattle for food, and when the men do not hang their cooking-pots over the camp-fires, showing that they will not return to their tents, you may know that they are determined to fight to the death (Sun Tzu, Chapter 9, 34). Throughout his book, Sun Tzu keeps repeating that the main characteristic of the war is its inconstancy. But he insists that the military leaders should always remain calm. He should always consider the possible outcome of every action, he is about to undertake.
Author continually repeats that the worst thing, which the general can do, is to rush into making an emotional decision and it should be avoided at all costs. (4) To win the confrontation, without resorting to the violence, is the biggest military virtue, according to Sun Tzu. The European theoreticians of war lack his wireless. Unlike Sun Tzu, they glorify death and destruction. Clausewitz used to say it is the smell of blood that gives soldiers their strength.
But Chinese concept of military strategy is based on Buddhist tradition of valuing life in every form. It is not by the accident that the martial arts, in the East, are not simply thought of as just technical applications. They are the ways of perfecting itself. Only Chinese masters of martial arts are able to see the death battle as the ultimate opportunity, which allows people to achieve a complete spiritual clarity and to makes it possible for them to fully concentrate on achieving the victory. This has nothing to do with whether pacifist tradition or with the tradition of European militarism. Let us repeat one more time Chinese wise men considered the ability to avoid war, on the part of military leader, as the greatest of all virtues.
The wise strategist must hate the war and not because of some abstract humanism, but because it is easier for him to expand his influence and power, without resorting to war. The Chinese military leader tries to avoid an open confrontation, not because he considers the war to be something immoral, but because the confrontation is destructive and cannot be truly benefited from. Th ability to accomplish the bloodless victory suggests that the leader is truly a great man, since he was able to overcome his personal ego. Today, when the horrors of both World Wars are still fresh in the memory of the mankind, when we are all being threatened by the cynical and cowardly international terrorism, when confronting armies do not even see each other, the idea of military science being also able to change the world for better, is very important. For thousands of years, the soldiers are being thought of not simply as just fighting men but also as some kind of saints, because of their willingness to lay down their lives for the sake of something greater.
We need to remember that Jesus had brought sword into this world, that Islam is nothing but the mystical community of warriors and that even Buddhist monks are known as the supreme masters of martial arts. In Europe also, the spiritual factor in military affairs was well recognized. But nevertheless, the European school of military thought emphasizes the improvements in military technology, where such things as military gallantry and humanism are often disregarded altogether. This is why I think of The art of War in such high regard. (5) As it is being noted earlier, the biggest value of The Art of War consists of humanistic ideas, found in this book. And in the case with Sun Tzu, we really believe him, because he does not refer to some abstract concepts, while explaining why it is important to keep the casualties as low as possible. He simply says that such way of waging war is the most efficient for the variety of reasons.
Also, the book is filled with many practical advices, which i personally used, while playing paintball. This allowed me to be always a step ahead of my competitors, because I remained calm and calculative, while they would take chances, rushing straight on my bullets. It is not by mere accident that The Art of War is considered to be among the most read in the world, along with Bible and Mein Kampf. This is because the true wireless never fades away, as the centuries pass by. Whatever used to be truth thousand of years ago, still remain to be such, even today. It is important to understand that wars will always be the part of our lives, despite the best wishes of hysterical left-wing politicians.
But when it comes to war, it must be waged in the most humane manner. The skilled military leader will always rely on the quality, rather then quantity. Only the victory, which is being achieved quickly and easily, can be truly considered as such. The Art of War still remains actual in our times. I would suggest that it needs to be reread on continuous basis, as it is more about peace then about war, it is more about life then about death.
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Research essay sample on Art Of War 6 Th Century
