Sun Tzu - The Art Of War

Introduction

Sunzi Bingfa (Sun Tzu Art of War) is one of those rare texts that transcend time and space. Though it was written 2,500 years ago in China, it is arguably the most important work on the subject of strategy in the world today.

Written by a gifted and experienced Chinese general named Sun Wu, The Art of War was intended only for royalty and the military elite of his time period. However, this treatise would later be treasured and studied by others of influence -- from the fearless samurai in feudal Japan to the shrewd business leaders of the 21st century.

Yet the book's content is even more fascinating than its background. Only reading it will the reader see the principles are true and universal, the words practical to any difficult situation that requires absolute victory. Equally important, a person can learn to avoid disasters.

Get ready to experience the most advanced translation ever presented to the public, a result of many scholars working together for a common purpose. Each sentence is to be read slowly lest one misses its full meaning. Enjoy.

The Sonshi Group

Atlanta, Georgia

Chapter One: Calculations

[01.01] Warfare is important to a nation. It is a matter of life and death. It is the way to survival or to destruction. So study it.

[01.02] Study the five factors of warfare: Way, Heaven, Ground, General, and Law. Calculate your strength in each and compare them to your enemy's strengths.

[01.03] The 'Way' is the strong bond your people have with you. Whether they face certain death or hope to come out alive, they never worry about danger or betrayal.

[01.04] 'Heaven' is dark and light, cold and hot, and the seasonal constraints. 'Ground' is high and low, far and near, obstructed and easy, wide and narrow, and dangerous and safe.

[01.05] 'General' is your wisdom, authenticity, benevolence, courage, and discipline.

[01.06] 'Law' is organization, the chain of command, logistics, and the control of expenses.

[01.07] Every general has heard of these five factors [Way, Heaven, Ground, General, Law]. One who heeds them will be victorious; one who does not heed them will not be victorious.

[01.08] Therefore, calculate and compare your levels of strength in them [Way, Heaven, Ground, General, Law] to your enemy's, and determine whether you are superior.

[01.09] Ask: Which ruler has the Way; which general has the ability; which has advantage in Heaven and Ground; which implemented Law; which army is resilient; which officers and soldiers are trained; which rewards and punishes clearly. By asking these types of questions, I know who will win and who will lose.

[01.10] A general who listens to my principles, and applies them, will surely be victorious; keep him. A general who does not listen to my principles, and does not apply them, will surely be defeated; remove him.

[01.11] Look for advantages when applying my principles and you will gather sufficient force to take on unforeseen situations.

[01.12] Force is tilting the balance of power to your side by gathering advantages.

[01.13] Warfare is the Way of deception.

[01.14] Therefore, if able, appear unable; if active, appear inactive; if near, appear far; if far, appear near.

[01.15] If your enemies have advantage, bait them; if they are confused, capture them; if they are numerous, prepare for them; if they are strong, avoid them; if they are angry, disturb them; if they are humble, make them haughty; if they are relaxed, toil them; if they are united, separate them.

[01.16] Attack where your enemies are not prepared; go to where they do not expect.

[01.17] This strategy leads to victory in warfare, so do not let the enemy see it.

[01.18] Before doing battle, one calculates in the temple and will win, because many calculations were made; before doing battle, one calculates in the temple but will lose, because few calculations were made.

[01.19] Many calculations mean victory; few calculations mean no victory; then how much worse when there are no calculations? From this perspective I can clearly predict victory or defeat.