Art of War

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that the overall tenor of Sun Tzu's work is the use of war to achieve strategic advantage in politics, rather than to establish unquestioned dominance over an area. The writer notes that perhaps this is why the book is more popular today with leaders in non-military arenas, such as business and politics, who put Tzu's words into effect in diplomatic, rather than militaristic ways. Further, the writer points out that the constrained and tactical use of war to achieve an advantage was ideal in feudal societies, where war was an accepted part of life, but in a contained although constant fashion. The writer concludes that even though military circumstances have changed, because Sun Tzu introduced so many elements to his work with principles, examples, and potent metaphors that could be extrapolated to other areas of life, his words live on.

From the Paper:

"The emotional needs of the troops must be respected for the moral cause to move forward, they must be treated like men, and be entertained and well fed. Of course, this costs money, and Sun Tzu sees it as folly to go to war without enough money to feed, clothe, and arm soldiers. But it is also folly to bankrupt the government's coffers for the sake of the troops if one can forage effectively upon the enemy, rather than depending on the expenses of shipping goods to the troops. Sun Tzu is compassionate and practical."
"Sun Tzu's practicality extends to his views on war in general. He says it is best not to go to war at all, if one is ridiculously overmatched--Sun Tzu considers this a failure of moral authority and leadership as well, to commit an army to a cause that they are sure to lose. In what may seem odd in a book devoted to giving advice about war, Sun Tzu does not glorify warfare, or advocate a society should be perpetually at war."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Sun Tzu. "The Art of War." E-Text at China Page. [2 May 2006] http://www.chinapage.com/sunzi-e.html#09

More papers on Art of War:

• Book Review # 97234 : "Sun Tzu's "The Art of War"
• Book Review # 95341 : "Frederick the Great on the Art of War"
• Analytical Essay # 5298 : "Terrorism and Sun Tzu's "The Art of War"
• Analytical Essay # 64630 : "The Greek Art of War"

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