Sun Tzu: The Art of War

I suppose if I was into fighting, this would be a remarkably useful book. It manages to avoid confinement to Warring States period China, and could certainly be applied to modern warfare. In fact, given the tendency to turn everything into a battle, it could also find a home in the boardroom, on the football field, in various political think-tanks, even on the nightstands of married couples. I resent, however, the implication that "War is the road to survival or ruin . . . It is mandatory that it be thoroughly studied" (I.1). Although this is a common modern notion, namely that "freedom ain't free" and "someone's gotta fight fer our liberty," I contest it. I happen to think that an impressive military is not necessary for any nation, especially in our world of devastating missiles and other unmanned weapons. The entire culture of war is corrosive to the universe. It perpetuates a win-lose mentality that leaves mankind far short of its potential.

Which is not to say that I didn't glean anything whatsoever from "The Art of War." Sun Tzu does not pull his strategies out of thin air; they are based on a solid observation of what works--not only in war, but in general life. Therfore, when he says, "Weigh the situation, and then move" (VII.15), he could just as well be speaking of marriage or finance as of battle. He returns often to the idea that a battle must be won before it is engaged. "A victorious army wins its victories before seeking battle" (VI.14). What could be truer of life than that one must avoid instant gratification and weigh choices well in advance? Likewise, Sun advocates constant change. And in life, one must always be prepared to use cheng, normal forces, as well as ch'i, extraordinary ones, and to shift from one to the other at a moment's notice. One must be prepared for constantly shifting circumstances, and also to change approaches the moment they become ineffective.

Perhaps life is a battle. Perhaps the point is, after all, to win. But for now, I choose to see life as a journey, a path upon which all can walk simultaneously without competition. For to reach the end alone doesn't seem like any victory at all.