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The Art of War of Sun Tzu

The Academy of Contemporary China and World StudiesUpdated:  August 30, 2024

The Art of War of Sun Tzu

The Chinese classical military work the Art of War of Sun tzu is said to have been written by Sun Wu, a military strategist in the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 B.C.). It is the earliest existing military book in China and also the earliest military book in the world. The book is known as the "classic of military strategists" and Sun Wu "the ancestor of a hundred generations of military strategists ".

In 13 chapters, the Art of War of Sun tzu effectively gen- eralizes the war experience and war theory in ancient China, and discusses in detail pre-war preparations, strategy application, combat deployment, enemy situation research and judgment, commanding as a general and mobilization of troops. It not only discusses the relationship between politics, economy, diplomacy and war, but also discusses the influence of many factors such as astronomy, geography, and meteorology on war. It is of significant guiding value for ancient Chinese military thought and war practice. The book examines wars in a highly rational way, advocating "no war" and "exercise of caution before entering into a war" so as to obtain the greatest victory at the least cost. Sun Wu believed that the highest level of war is not to defeat the enemy through war, but by strategy, and fight wits, not force.

the Art of War of Sun tzu is rich in content, profound in thought, rigorous in logic, and flexible in writing. This encompassing compilation of the essence of ancient Chinese military thought has a profound impact on military, economic, political and other fields, cementing itself an important position in the world military history. the Art of War of Sun tzu has been translated into many languages and sold well overseas. Many countries have chosen it as a textbook and management guide for the spheres of business and military.

《孙子兵法》

中国古典军事著作《孙子兵法》相传为春秋时期军事家孙武(前545—约前470)所著,是中国现存最早的兵书, 也是世界上最早的军事著作,被誉为“兵家经典”“百代谈兵家之祖”。

《孙子兵法》分为十三篇,高度概括了中国古代的战争经验和战争理论,详细论述了战前准备、策略运用、作战部署、敌情研判、为将之道和用兵之法,不仅探讨了政治、经济、外交等与战争的关系,而且讨论了天文、地理、气象等诸多因素对于战争的影响,对中国古代军事思想和战争实践具有重要指导意义。该书高度理性地审视战争,主张“不战”“慎战”,以最小代价获取最大胜利,认为战争的最高境界不是通过战争打败敌人,而是以谋略战胜敌人,斗智不斗力。

《孙子兵法》内容丰富、思想深邃、逻辑缜密、行文灵活,是中国古代军事思想精华的集中体现,对军事、经济、政治等领域产生重要影响,在世界军事史上也具有重要地位。《孙子兵法》被翻译为多种语言畅销海外,不少国家还将其列为军校教材和管理指南,用于指导军事战略和商业管理。

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