Sun Tzu's Art of War is Still Relevant
By Adelia Ladson
Sun Tzu was a military strategist and a noteworthy philosopher.
Sun Tzu was a military strategist and a noteworthy philosopher.
Sun Tzu trains the king's harem.
Sun Tzu trains the king's harem.
The Art of War is read worldwide and its principles applied in many aspects of life.
he Art of War is read worldwide and its principles applied in many aspects of life.
Shop All Chinese Swords Here Few books have stood the test of centuries and have remained as relevant as âThe Art of Warâ by Sun Tzu. Written by the Chinese general as a treatise on military strategy, itâs still studied and put in to practice but not just within the realm of military strategy. Sun Tzuâs strategies have also been used in the realms of business and industry, which makes perfect sense as the global Economic War is just as real. Of course, being an astute philosopher, he was most assuredly aware that his tenets were adaptable to an individualâs personal life and goals, as well.


I think my favorite quote for âThe Art of Warâ is: âIf your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him.â This is a strategy that I employed naturally as a sibling. Although, it wasnât so much as strategy to achieve a goal as it was because I was bored. I see this strategy employed in politics quite a bit. Nothing like raising a little ire to throw a candidate off his game.
Sun Tzuâs life is a little vague in its details, which is understandable because he lived from sometime around 544 B.C. to 496 B.C. Some are even skeptical about whether he was the author of âThe Art of Warâ or whether it was written in the period following his death. Scholars do seem to agree, based on the oldest texts, that he was a general who served under a Chinese king in the late sixth century B.C. And the story or legend of his âjob interviewâ with the king is entertaining. Apparently, he was tasked by the king to train his royal harem into soldiers.
Sun Tzuâs life is a little vague in its details, which is understandable because he lived from sometime around 544 B.C. to 496 B.C. Some are even skeptical about whether he was the author of âThe Art of Warâ or whether it was written in the period following his death. Scholars do seem to agree, based on the oldest texts, that he was a general who served under a Chinese king in the late sixth century B.C. And the story or legend of his âjob interviewâ with the king is entertaining. Apparently, he was tasked by the king to train his royal harem into soldiers.


Even though this was basically a passel of giggling, silly women, Sun Tzu forged ahead. He divided them into two companies and appointed the kingâs two favorite women as the officers. He then gave the order that the companies face right and the women only disintegrated into laughter. The general, taking the blame upon himself, let the king know that if the soldiers did not understand the commands given to them, it was the generalâs fault. He went to great lengths to explain to the two companies and its two âofficersâ what was expected of them. Once again, he ordered them to face right, which ended with the same results. At this point, he told the king if, once explained to the soldiers, they still did not comply, then it was the officers fault. He summarily executed the two âofficers,â who were the favorite concubines of the king (to the kingâs dismay), appointed two more âofficers.â Low, and behold, the next time he gave the order to face right, everyone was onboard with the idea and he didnât have any more problems. He told the king that, once appointed, a general should carry out his duties even in spite of a kingâs feelings. It was this no-nonsense, straightforward approach to warfare and life that still resonates in todayâs world and continues to be adapted for all manner of situations. It must have worked because he was âhiredâ by the king and enjoyed a very successful military career putting his strategies into practice.


One of Sun Tzuâs most quoted principles is: âOne who knows the enemy and knows himself will not be in danger in a hundred battles.â It has been used in everything from books on construction crew supervision to reports put together by the U.K.âs House of Commons, which was used as a support statement for using intelligence and information to combat terrorism. I have even seen it used in a book that told you how to write a novel. Go figure. In business, his âopportunities multiply as they are seizedâ and âdo not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstancesâ are prime examples of sound business advice that has been gleaned and used from âThe Art of Warâ over the years.
As, I said before, there has been a difference in opinion on whether the legendary general even wrote the text or if it was attributed to him because he was a legend. In the end, I guess it really doesnât matter if Sun Tzu was not the definitive author of âThe Art of Warâ because there will probably never be definitive proof one way or the other. The important thing is that the text exists and has survived for centuries to benefit the global community with its sound principles. Folks, thatâs no small potatoes there! So, I highly recommend giving it a read because you just might be surprised what you find in it that is relevant to you.