The Art of War, an influential document written by the ancient Chinese military strategist Sunzi (also known as Dominicus-Tzu), is i of the first known treatise on warfare strategy in history. Known in Chinese as Bingfa, this guide features information about various battle maneuvers and tactics, as well as strategic advice on collecting information virtually the enemy's location and battleground terrain before attacking.

It is difficult to know exactly when The Art of War was written, but nigh scholars remember it was written between 475 and 221 B.C.E., during the Warring States catamenia. Scholars also cannot exist certain nigh the details of the life of its writer, Sunzi, merely they believe he was a full general working for the Wu state. It is clear that any Sunzi'due south life experiences were, he had a bang-up deal of noesis about warfare and tactical preparation.

The premise of The Art of War is that state of war should be avoided with diplomacy. If it cannot be avoided, information technology should be fought strategically and psychologically to minimize damage and the wasting of resources. Warfare should only be a last resort and heading into battle is already admitting a kind of defeat. Sunzi'due south strategy in dealing with foes was a combination of peaceful resolutions and aggressive warfare. This mirrors the Taoist principals of yin and yang (or opposing simply complementary forces). Sunzi recommended that every leader follow the Tao (or the natural club of the universe) equally a main component of successful leadership.

The Art of State of war has many specific battle strategies and advisements. It stresses grooming for battle to a higher place all, including planning effectually climate and battle terrain, studying the enemy's movements and weaknesses, and proper preparation of soldiers. At the same fourth dimension, it also recommends being flexible, because the battlefield is so unpredictable. Information technology discourages generals from engaging in siege warfare, because information technology extends the conflict and wastes resources. And generals should treat captured troops and defeated soldiers respectfully.

The Art of War has remained relevant over the years considering it is about strategy and tactics rather than specific warfare technology. It has influenced leaders all over the world, not only in warfare but in many areas of life, including business. Modern leaders such as the one-time chairman of the Chinese Communist party and one of the founders of the People'due south Democracy of China, Mao Zedong, cited The Fine art of War every bit part of their military success.

The Art of War

Sunzi was a Chinese general and near famously the writer of The Art of State of war,i of the outset documents on military machine strategies. Although Sunzi wrote this certificate thousands of years ago, it continued to influence many globe leaders within the by century.

boxing tactic

Substantive

art and science of organizing a military campaign, including troop movement, weaponry, and strategy.

siege

Noun

organized attack on a fortified or protected structure.

strategy

Noun

plan or method of achieving a goal.

Taoism

Noun

Chinese philosophy and religion emphasizing noninterference with the course of natural events.

warfare

Noun

armed conflict between two or more groups of people, usually representing different nations or other political organizations.

yang

Substantive

active, male one-half of yin and hang; represents oestrus, light, and dryness

yin

Noun

passive, female half of yin and yang; represents cold, dark, and wetness

yin and yang

Substantive

inseparable and contradictory elements; a concept found in Taoism

  • Credits

    Media Credits

    The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

    Director

    Tyson Brownish, National Geographic Order

    Author

    National Geographic Society

    Production Manager

    Gina Borgia, National Geographic Society

    Plan Specialists

    Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Society
    Margot Willis, National Geographic Gild

    Specialist, Content Production

    Clint Parks

    Producer

    André Gabrielli, National Geographic Lodge

    Concluding Updated

    Aug. 31, 2020

  • User Permissions

    For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If yous have questions about how to cite annihilation on our website in your projection or classroom presentation, delight contact your teacher. They volition best know the preferred format. When yous reach out to them, you volition need the folio title, URL, and the appointment yous accessed the resource.

    Media

    If a media asset is downloadable, a download push appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

    Text

    Text on this page is printable and tin be used according to our Terms of Service.

    Interactives

    Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. Yous cannot download interactives.