# Appreciations of Sun Tzǔ explained — The Art of War

> Chapter companion for The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

## What happens

This chapter collects tributes to Sun Tzǔ from both military and literary figures in Chinese history, highlighting the profound influence of his work. It notes famous generals like Han Hsin, Fêng I, Lü Mêng, and Yo Fei who studied his pages, and literary men such as Su Hsün and Chêng Hou who praised his terse yet profound style. The chapter also records Ts'ao Kung's high opinion and Chu Hsi's cautious criticism of comparing Sun Tzǔ to classical texts.

## Character check-ins

### Sun Tzǔ

Central figure of the chapter; his work is praised by generals and scholars alike.

### Han Hsin

Famous general (d. 196 BC) known to have studied Sun Tzǔ with enthusiasm.

### Lü Mêng

General (d. 219) who studied Sun Tzǔ's pages.

### Tsʽao Kung

Disputes with Han Hsin the highest place in Chinese military annals; his opinion of Sun Tzǔ is recorded.

### Chu Hsi

Commentator who criticizes the comparison of Sun Tzǔ with classical works, warning against encouraging reckless militarism.

## Key lines

> Sun Wu’s saying, that in war one cannot make certain of conquering, is very different indeed from what other books tell us.

Sun Wu's statement that victory in war is never guaranteed stands in stark contrast to the claims of other military texts.

_Quoted from Su Hsün, preserved in the Yu Hai, highlighting Sun Tzǔ's realistic approach._

> Sun Tzǔ’s 13 chapters are not only the staple and base of all military men’s training, but also compel the most careful attention of scholars and men of letters. His sayings are terse yet elegant, simple yet profound, perspicuous and eminently practical.

Sun Tzǔ's thirteen chapters are essential for military training and deserve serious study by scholars; his words are concise but elegant, simple yet deep, clear and highly practical.

_From Chêng Hou's Impartial Judgments in the Garden of Literature, praising the literary and practical merits of Sun Tzǔ's work._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_art_of_war_se/chapters/appreciations-of-sun-tz
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_art_of_war_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_art_of_war_se/chapters