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The Art of War
The Art of War
by Sun Tzu
ALEXANDER WIJAYANTO
What is The Art of War?
The Art of War is an ancient Chinese text about warfare written by Sun Tzu. He
was belived to have been a general to the nation of Wu during the Warring States
Period (722-481 BCE). The book cover about basic overview of tactics and
strategy in war.
The book was composed about 13 chapters. Each chapters offer basic overview of
every strategy and tactics.
Who is Sun Tzu?
Sun Tzu was a Chinese general, military specialist, adn philosopher lived in
ancient China during the Warring States period.
During the Warring States period, each states sought out many means to gain
advantage during the war. During this period Sun Tzu rise to prominence. He was
able to win many victories for his warlord gaining him fame and power.
He pass his wisdom about warfare he gaind from years of conflict by writing a
book. The book is named The Art of War.
Traditionaly he passed away at 496 BC.
History of The Art of War
The copies of The Art of War ended in the hands of politicians, military leaders,
and scholars across China. From there translated copy of The Art of War found
there way to Korea and Japan.
For 1000 years, rulers and scholars acrosss Asia consulted The Art of War as they
plotted military manuvers and expansion across Asia.
At the end of the 18th century a Jesuit missionary tranlated teh book into French.
It was translated into english in 1905.
Summary
The book consist of 13 chapters. Each chapters gave specific battle strategy and
tactics-for example one chapter tell comanders to lay plans before the war, how to
move through inhospitable terrains, explains how to respond to different types of
scenarios. The book also gave general advice about conflict and the resolution. Rules
like “ He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight”; “ He will win
who konws how to handle superior and inferior forces” ; and “ Know your enemy
and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be in peril” can be applied to
paticular battle situations as well as other kind of disagreement and challenges.
The Art of War Today
Since The Art of War was published, military leaders have been following its
advice. Mao Zaedong said the lessons of The Art of War helped him win the
China civil war. Other recent devotees of Sun Tzu work are Viet Minh
commander Vo Nguyen Giap and Ho Chi Minh.
The Art of War are applied in military and buissness world, it become mandatory
reading material for soldiers and buissnessman alike.