Master Sun

Molly Swiger

Sun Tzu’s Art of War has been regarded as one of the most influential military strategy texts in East Asian warfare since it was published in 5^th century BCE. In Chinese culture, the sun is the epitome of ‘yang’ and represents heat vitality, Spring and East. It is important to note that Tzu was known as Master Sun: he represents goodness in Chinese culture and following his teachings will ensure success in battle. Sun Tzu’s over-arching philosophy focuses on victory through planning, with the strength of an army originating in its unity. Similarly, the Naval Academy aims to focus on the mental aspects of war and to “imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty.” While both philosophies are effective, the Naval Academy does not teach about military strategy, instead placing a greater focus on wholeness of the individual. Tzu emphasizes both the importance of strategy and character. Therefore, Tzu has a better philosophy.

The first chapter of The Art of War explains the making of plans. Tzu emphasizes the severity of war: “War is a grave affair of state; it is a place of life and death.” Without proper planning, a commander will not be prosperous. Understanding the fundamentals of war is a necessary step. Tzu states these essentials as: The Way, Heaven, Earth, Command, and Discipline. Because of how momentous war is, due consideration must be given to strategy. Plainly, Tzu declares “victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle.” The Naval Academy puts Midshipmen through classes like Ethics, Leadership, Law, and History in order to foster this understanding of the gravity of war and the consequences of the decisions of officers. The mission statement is not singly focused; officers must be well versed in all aspects of war.

The third chapter of The Art of War describes the origins of strength. In battle, unity is congruent with strength. A focused, unified force will be stronger than a large, distracted army. This unity is developed through strategy. A commander who plans will conserve his troops and resources. In addition, he has to know his people and those who he is fighting against. Midshipmen, too, are taught to stress honor and loyalty. This loyalty refers to loyalty within a command and loyalty to the Constitution.

The seventh chapter of The Art of War discusses the risks of direct combat and exposes the greatest difference between Tzu’s principles and those taught at the Academy. Tzu discusses the drawbacks of pursuing an enemy in different terrain and the stresses it places on soldiers. He draws on the principles taught in previous chapters, as strategy is integral to find the balance of when to go and when to stay. Furthermore, war will favor a focused army because “the brave will not advance alone, nor will the fearful retreat alone.” It is the refusal of an army to lose its spirit that will lead to victory. Tzu argues a skillful warrior will possess mastery of spirit, mind, strength, and change. The Academy does not have classes that teach about military strategy or war planning. Thus, officers have to go to extra schooling to receive this knowledge.

Master Sun’s military strategy maintains a profound influence on both Eastern and Western philosophy with implications beyond the scope of war. Tzu describes what is required to be successful in battle and as a leader.

Word Count: 571

Work Cited:

“Nature Symbolism in Chinese Art.” Chinese Symbolism of Nature Elements, http://www.chinasage.info/symbols/nature.htm#XLXLSymSun.

“Plebe Summer Home.” The U.S. Naval Academy, http://www.usna.edu/PlebeSummer/index.php.

Sun-tzu, The Art of War. Trans. John Minford. London: Penguin, 2009.