The Art of War Sun Tzu Jett Klinzing 3/25/13 Period 11

Interest “ The Art of War” interested me because it goes over numerous subjects about war. The book is studied by modern military leaders. “The Art of War” was compiled more than two thousand years ago and is still one of the most prestigious books on strategy and tactics. Sun Tzu’s statue in Yurihama, Tottori.

Facts I knew I knew Sun Tzu is an ancient warrior-philosopher. I knew a large number of generals who studied and followed this book did not lose many battles. I knew this book was written within the Warring states of ancient China (the Warring States lasted from the fifth to the third century B.C.E.). Warring States period. (Above) The Art of War being studied.

Facts I learned “The Art of War” stems from the psychological practices of Taoism.

Facts I learned In the book, there are several commentators who explain what Sun Tzu meant. They offer even more wisdom and they show you the other side of Sun’s view. Cao Cao ( A commentator in “The Art of War”)

Facts I learned “Leadership is a matter of intelligence, trustworthiness, humaneness, courage, and sternness. Every general has heard of these five things. Those who know them prevail, those who do not know them do not prevail.” – Quote from “The Art of War”. Sun Tzu is telling the reader what leaders should have as their five virtues.

Facts I learned The content in “The Art of War” explains everything from strategic assessments to espionage.

Facts I learned “The general rule for use of the military is that it is better to keep a nation intact than to destroy it. It is better to keep an army intact than to destroy it, better to keep a division intact than to destroy it, better to keep a battalion intact than to destroy it, better to keep a unit intact than to destroy it.” Sun Tzu is saying it is better to win without battle than to win with destruction. If you destroy land, it will have no more use.

Most Interesting Information “ So there are five ways of knowing who will win. Those who know when to fight and when not to fight are victorious. Those who discern when to use many or few troops are victorious. Those whose upper and lower ranks have the same desire are victorious. Those who face the unprepared with preparation are victorious. Those whose generals are able and are not constrained by their governments are victorious. These five are the ways to know who will win.” This is interesting because it describes the ways to be victorious in battle. It also tells you the way you should rule your troops. You have to make your troops have the same desire.

Critique “The Art of War” is excellent to read if you are interested in participating in the military. All generals need to study this book and live by it. I recommend this to others so they can understand a little more about military’s significance. Sun Tzu and the other commentators did a good job with this book.

Significance “The Art of War” has much significance in society because it can help us through future wars and it can even help with personal battles.