The Art of War (Sun Tzu)

(Edited with an introduction by Dallas Galvin. Translated by Lionel Giles in 1910) 

Perhaps this seems like a strange book choice for a pacifist, but I make a point of reading the classics. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War was written in the 5^th Century B.C.E and its first English translation made in 1905, but many of Tzu’s points are still relevant today on and off the battlefield. I was delighted to be able to relate Tzu’s words to situations off the battle field.

Many lines that Sun Tzu wrote as simple or straight forward battlefield rhetoric, if taken philosophically, have deep connotative meanings. Maybe I’m still reeling from my recent reading about 1960s counter-culture newspapers, but many of Sun Tzu thoughts could apply to non-violent combat.

For example, Tzu writes, “When you capture new territory, cut it up into allotments for the benefit of the soldiery.” This is good advice for anybody in a position of power. Not only is distributing “territory” fair, but it helps to hold a group or movement together. I wonder how many cultural and social movements have failed because one or two people at the top reaped all the benefits of what was collected, not just in a physical or monetary sense, but in terms of influence?

Putting the previous line and issue aside, another seemingly innocent line also got me thinking. “If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst,” Sun Tzu writes in part IX. Water is a well-known metaphor for many things. Just let your mind wander and think about that one. It’s the perfect metaphor for a society in trouble. What does water represent to you?

The Art of War is all about how to wage war effectively, what a good leader looks likes, and how to read the enemy. One of the more interesting selections is part I, in which Tzu outlines five constant factors which govern war; these being, Moral Law, Heaven, Earth, The Commander, and Method and Discipline. Some of the titles are slightly misleading.

The notes in my copy of the book, which is a paper-back “Barnes and Noble Classic” printing, indicate that Moral Law actually means the degree to which the ruler is in harmony with his subjects. Heaven and Earth are not religious terms, but rather refer to things like the weather and the terrain.

Although I’m against war and violence, I did find Sun Tzu’s book to have great value. Perhaps the coldness of its language can serve as a warning to avoid warfare. The book’s most famous line sums up its coldness. Sun Tzu writes, “All warfare is based on deception.”

If you’re in the mood to think deeply, pick up a copy of The Art of War and give it a read. Another great book on a similar subject is Machiavelli’s The Prince.