Discussion of Sun Tsu's Art of War

[rotorgun]

Sun Tsu's Art of War has always been a fascinating treatise on the warfare as fought in ancient China. Many people are still unfamiliar with it though. The following site is a direct translation with copious notes to provoke thought. I surmised that it would make a great topic to discuss how various famous (or infamous) commanders, both past and present might fair when their performance is viewed in light of Sun Tsu's principles.

http://suntzusaid.com/

In order to guide or discussion let us concentrate on the Sun Tsu's factors of generalship in his work:

1. Laying Plans
2. Waging War
3. Attack by Stratagem
4. Tactical Dispositions
5. Energy
6. Weak Points and Strong
7. Maneuvering
8. Variation in Tactics
9. The Army on the March
10. Terrain
11. The Nine Situations
12. The Attack by Fire
13. The Use of Spies


Friends,

Let any comments of a political nature be used to support a point of discussion, but let us refrain from the usual rancor of the backroom. Allow all to make their opinions known with respect for the opinions of others. I think we could all learn a great deal from such a discussion. If unfamiliar with the text, take some time to review it. I think that it won't be a waste of time. I only wish that more of our leaders would read and adhere to his ideas. Perhaps we would have fewer wars as a result.

As an afterthought, here is the WIKI article about Sun Tsu to help serve as a further guide:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Tzu