“There was a man who had only 30,000 troops and in the Celestial Empire no one could resist him. Who is this? The answer is: Sun Tzu."
According to the Notes of Sima Qian, Sun Tzu was the commander of the Wu principality during the reign of Prince Ho-lui (514-495 BC). It is to the merits of Sun Tzu that the military successes of the Wu principality are attributed, which brought his prince the title of hegemon. According to tradition, it is believed that it was for Prince Ho-lui that the "Treatise on the Art of War" (500 BC) was written.
Sun Tzu's treatise had a fundamental impact on the entire military art of the East. The first of all the treatises on the art of war, Sun Tzu is constantly quoted by Chinese military theorists from Wu Tzu to Mao Tse-tung. A special place in the military-theoretical literature of the East is occupied by commentaries on Sun Tzu, of which the first appeared in the Han era (206 BC - 220 AD), and new ones continue to be created to this day., although Sun Tzu himself did not care about supporting his treatise with examples and explanations.
Of all the Seven Military Canons, Sun Tzu's Military Strategy, traditionally known as the Art of War, is the most widely used in the West. First translated by a French missionary about two centuries ago, it was constantly studied and used by Napoleon, and possibly some of the Nazi high command. For the past two millennia, it has remained the most important military treatise in Asia, where even the common people knew its name. Chinese, Japanese, Korean military theorists and professional soldiers have studied it, and many of the strategies have played an important role in the legendary military history of Japan since the 8th century.
The Art of War has long been considered the oldest and most profound military treatise in China. However, even if we neglect the likelihood of later layers and changes, one cannot ignore the fact of more than two thousand years of history of warfare and the existence of tactics before 500 BC. and to attribute the actual creation of the strategy to Sun Tzu alone. The condensed, often abstract nature of his passages is cited as evidence that the book was composed at an early stage in the development of Chinese writing, but an equally compelling argument can be put forward that such a philosophically sophisticated style is possible only with experience of combat battles and a tradition of serious study of military topics. … Basic concepts and general passages are more likely to speak in favor of a vast military tradition and progressive knowledge and experience than in favor of "creation from nothing."
Currently, there are three points of view about the time of the creation of the "Art of War". The former attributes the book to the historical figure Sun Wu, believing that the final edition was made shortly after his death at the beginning of the 5th century. BC. The second, based on the text itself, attributes it to the middle - second half of the Warring Kingdoms period (IV or III centuries BC). The third, also based on the text itself, as well as on previously open sources, places it somewhere in the second half of the 5th century. BC.
It is unlikely that a true date will be established, however, it is likely that such a historical figure existed, and Sun Wu himself not only served as a strategist and, possibly, a commander, but also drew up the outline of a book that bears his name. Then, the most essential things were passed down from generation to generation in the family or in the school of the closest pupils, correcting themselves over the years and gaining more and more widespread distribution. The earliest text was possibly edited by Sun Tzu's famous descendant Sun Bing, who also made extensive use of his teachings in his Military Methods.
Sun Tzu is mentioned in many historical sources, including Shi Ji, but Wu and Yue Springs and Autumn offers a more interesting option:
"In the third year of Helui-wang's reign, the commanders from Wu wanted to attack Chu, but no action was taken. Wu Zixu and Bo Xi said to each other:" We are preparing warriors and calculations on behalf of the ruler. These strategies will be beneficial for the state, and therefore the ruler should attack Chu. But he does not give orders and does not want to collect an army. What should we do? " this? " Wu Zixu and Bo Xi replied, “We would like to receive orders.” Ruler Wu secretly believed that the two harbored a deep hatred for Chu. He was very afraid that these two would lead the army only to be destroyed. He climbed the tower., turned to face the south wind and sighed heavily. After some time, he sighed again. None of the ministers understood the thoughts of the ruler. Wu Zixu guessed that the ruler would not make a decision, and then recommended Sun Tzu to him.
Sun Tzu, named Wu, was from the kingdom of Wu. He excelled in military strategy, but lived far from the court, so ordinary people did not know about his abilities. Wu Zixu, being knowledgeable, wise and perceptive, knew that Sun Tzu could penetrate the enemy's ranks and destroy him. One morning, when he was discussing military affairs, he recommended Sun Tzu seven times. Lord Wu said, "Since you have found an excuse to nominate this husband, I want to see him." He asked Sun Tzu about military strategy and every time he laid out one or another part of his book, he could not find words sufficient to praise. Satisfied, the ruler asked, "If possible, I would like to test your strategy a little." Sun Tzu said: “It is possible. We can check with the women from the inner palace. " The ruler said: "I agree." Sun Tzu said: "Let your Majesty's two favorite concubines lead two divisions, each lead one." He ordered all three hundred women to put on helmets and armor, carry swords and shields, and line up. He taught them the military rules, that is, go forward, retreat, turn left and right, and turn around in accordance with the beat of the drum. He announced the prohibitions and then ordered: "With the first beat of the drum, you must all gather, with the second blow, advance with arms in hand, with the third, line up in battle formation." Then the women, covering their mouths with their hands, laughed. Then Sun Tzu personally picked up the sticks and hit the drum, giving orders three times and explaining them five times. They laughed as before. Sun Tzu realized that women would continue to laugh and would not stop. Sun Tzu was furious. His eyes were wide open, his voice was like the roar of a tiger, his hair stood on end, and the strings of his cap were torn around his neck. He said to the Connoisseur of Laws: "Bring the executioner's axes."
[Then] Sun Tzu said: “If the instructions are not clear, if explanations and orders are not trusted, then it is the commander's fault. But when these instructions are repeated three times, and the orders are explained five times, and the troops still do not follow them, then this is the fault of the commanders. According to military discipline, what is the punishment? " The lawyer said, "Decapitation!" Then Sun Tzu ordered to cut off the heads of the commanders of two divisions, that is, two beloved concubines of the ruler.
Lord Wu went to the platform to watch as his two beloved concubines were about to be decapitated. He hastily sent the official down with an order: “I realized that the commander can control the troops. Without these two concubines, food will not be my joy. Better not to decapitate them. " Sun Tzu said: “I have already been appointed a commander. According to the rules for generals, when I am in command of an army, even if you give orders, I can carry out. " [And beheaded them].
He hit the drum again, and they moved left and right, back and forth, turned around according to the prescribed rules, not even daring to squint. The units were silent, not daring to look around. Then Sun Tzu reported to the ruler Wu: “The army is already well obeying. I ask your Majesty to take a look at them. Whenever you want to use them, even make them go through fire and water, it will not be difficult. They can be used to put the Celestial Empire in order."
However, Lord Wu was suddenly unhappy. He said, “I know you are an excellent leader in the army. Even if this makes me a hegemon, there will be no place for them to learn. General, please disband the army and return to your place. I don't want to continue. " Sun Tzu said: "Your Majesty loves only words, but cannot comprehend the meaning." Wu Zixu admonished: “I have heard that the army is a thankless task and cannot be arbitrarily tested. Therefore, if someone forms an army, but does not launch a punitive campaign, the military Tao will not manifest. Now, if your Majesty is sincerely looking for talented people and wants to gather an army in order to punish the cruel kingdom of Chu, become a hegemon in the Celestial Empire and intimidate the appanage princes, if you do not appoint Sun Tzu as commander-in-chief who can cross Huai, cross the Si and pass a thousand to join the battle?"
Then Ruler Wu got excited. He ordered drums to be beaten to gather the army headquarters, summoned the troops and attacked Chu. Sun Tzu took Shu, killing two defector generals: Kai Yu and Zhu Yun."
The biography contained in the Shi Ji further states that “in the west, he defeated the powerful kingdom of Chu and reached Ying. In the north, Qi and Jin were intimidated, and his name became famous among the appanage princes. This happened thanks to the power of Sun Tzu."
After 511 BC. Sun Tzu was never mentioned in written sources either as the commander-in-chief of the troops or as a courtier. Apparently, Sun Tzu, being a purely military man, did not want to participate in the court political games of that time and lived far from the palace intrigues and chroniclers.
