The Art of War · Chapter
Sun Wu and His Book explained
This chapter provides a biography of Sun Wu (Sun Tzǔ) as recorded by Ssǔ-ma Chʽien, detailing his test with King Ho Lu's concubines, his appointment as general, and his military successes.
What happens
This chapter provides a biography of Sun Wu (Sun Tzǔ) as recorded by Ssǔ-ma Chʽien, detailing his test with King Ho Lu's concubines, his appointment as general, and his military successes. It also discusses scholarly debates about the authenticity of Sun Wu's existence and the origins of his work, The Art of War, including references to later commentators and textual history.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Discipline
Sun Tzǔ's execution of the king's concubines for disobedience demonstrates the necessity of clear orders and strict discipline in command.
Deception and Stratagem
The chapter discusses the authenticity of Sun Tzǔ's work and the possibility of forgeries, reflecting the strategic use of information and deception.
Self-Knowledge and Preparation
Sun Tzǔ's test with the women shows the importance of thorough preparation and clear communication before expecting obedience.
Characters to notice
- Sun Tzǔ
The central figure of the chapter, a native of Chʽi State, author of the Art of War, tested by King Ho Lu, and later appointed general of Wu.
- Ho Lu
King of Wu who tested Sun Tzǔ's principles by having him drill 180 women, and later appointed him general.
- Ssǔ-ma Chʽien
Historian who provided the biography of Sun Tzǔ and his descendant Sun Pin.
- Sun Pin
Descendant of Sun Tzǔ, a military genius born about a hundred years after Sun Tzǔ's death.
- Tu Mu
Important commentator on Sun Tzǔ who asserted that Tsʽao Kung abridged Sun Wu's original writings into 13 chapters.
- Tsʽao Kung
Emperor Wei who wrote a commentary on Sun Tzǔ and is said to have pruned the original work to 13 chapters.
- Yeh Shui-hsin
Scholar who cast doubt on the existence of Sun Wu, noting his absence from the Tso Chuan and questioning the authenticity of the story.
- Sun Hsing-yen
Scholar who pointed out that Tsʽao Kung's preface indicates he wrote an explanatory paraphrase, not an abridgment.
Key passages
“If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame.”
When commands are unclear or misunderstood, the responsibility lies with the commander.
Sun Tzǔ's principle of accountability in leadership, demonstrated during the drill.
“Having once received His Majesty's commission to be the general of his forces, there are certain commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable to accept.”
Once appointed as general, a commander must prioritize military discipline over the sovereign's personal wishes.
Sun Tzǔ's refusal to spare the concubines illustrates the primacy of military authority.
“The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.”
The king speaks of war but fails to act on its principles.
Sun Tzǔ's critique of King Ho Lu after the drill, highlighting the gap between theory and practice.
