The Enduring Art of War: A Paraphrase and Commentary on Sun Tzu

By John Orndorff

It was Leon Trotsky who famously said, “You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you.” Like it or not, war defines our history. Like bookends of humankind’s existence, the first recorded battle took place in the 15th century BC at Megiddo, and according to apocalyptic literature, the final battle of history will also be at Megiddo. As we are witnessing worldwide, no one is immune from this scourge. Citizens once thought safe from physical violence in Europe and the United States now feel the impact of a battle that originated half a world away over one thousand years ago.
All of life involves conflict and overcoming challenges of some kind. Just as warfare involves taking calculated chances and seeking opportunities, the same can be said of investing, starting and growing businesses and interpersonal relations. In preparation for many future decisions this process begins with selecting an education and making career decisions. Every aspect of our existence involves choices and decisions. Even so, there is no worldly endeavor more fraught with problem solving than war. In war you can correctly make every decision, and do everything right and still lose. While there are libraries full of treatises on warfare, there is one book in particular that most comprehensively deals with how to succeed in an armed struggle-The Art of War.
The Art of War was written over 2,500 years ago, and has endured the ages. Technology and knowledge have changed tremendously since that time. However, human nature and the essential character of war have not changed. The author’s observations and advice remain as valid in the 21st Century as it was in 500 BC. Many scholars have voiced their appreciation of the continuing relevancy of Sun Tzu’s counsel, and people often pay lip service to his book by quoting various parts, most notably, “know the enemy and know yourself and in 100 battles you will never be in peril.” Others have praised The Art of War for its application in all areas of life, most notably the business arena. Still, I personally get the impression few people understand how to apply these principles, and really study how they have played out in history.
My goal here is to make this timeless gem understandable for all readers. I have used the original 1910 translation by British scholar, Lionel Giles as the basis for my paraphrase. This particular translation leaves out the ancient commentary found in other versions. By using more modern language and providing a very brief commentary making use of historic examples that should be more familiar, I hope readers will gain a greater understanding of how Sun Tzu’s principles work. A book can be written on each principle covered in The Art of War. My objective is not to write a lengthy exposition, but rather provide enough familiarization that the readers can pursue these things further if they are interested. Furthermore, though less than ten percent of the US population serves or ever has served in the armed forces it is important for every citizen to understand the implications of military action. Military action or in some cases the lack there of, in the very least, impact the population in the form of taxes and at worst in loss of the brave youth who have subscribed to the unlimited liability clause, i.e., the willingness to sacrifice their lives for their country. Historically warfare can also spell the destruction of nations and cultures. Thus, it is of the greatest importance that every person is aware of war’s enormous cost. As Sun Tzu said in chapter one, “it is of vital importance to the state.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Orndorff
• Release date: Jun 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310743443

John Orndorff

John C. (Chris) Orndorff is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He began his military career serving four years during the Vietnam era as a Navy Hospital Corpsman working in neuro-psychiatry. In the Air Force he served in a number of positions ranging from administrative officer, commander, special agent academic instructor and acquisition officer. As a faculty member at Air Command and Staff College he was broadly published in the military community, and taught futurist techniques. Chris has also done future related research for the Air Force and emergency planners. He has consulted for industry and worked with the US State Department providing antiterrorism support for US Embassies in over 30 countries. Based on his antiterrorism experience, he has designed and presented training on techniques to prevent high school violence. Chris is now retired after teaching Air Force Junior ROTC for twelve years. He and his wife Debi have been married 40 years and have three children and five grandchildren. His website is http://johncorndorff.com. His books are: Prince Michael and the Dragon Prince John's Quest Princess Mary and the Prophet How Have the Mighty Fallen Terrorists, Tornados and Tsunamis: How to Prepare for Life's Danger Zones The Gilgamesh Epic Watching for the future The Enduring Art of War: A Paraphrase and Commentary on Sun Tzu From the Mouths of Babes: Growing Closer to God Through Children

Book preview

No author writes in isolation. No matter how great the idea that forms in an individual mind, multiple contributors enable the thought to take form before, during, and after drafting the project. With this awareness in mind I acknowledge that I owe a great deal to very many people. I am indebted first to my teachers and to every commander and supervisor under whom I served during my military career. In the writing of this book I wish to specifically recognize Thomas Huynh of Sonshi.com, who is himself an author and student of Sun Tzu. Thomas was very encouraging in this project and offered many helpful suggestions. I would have never been comfortable with publication without the great help Dr. Paul Graden provided. Paul painstakingly edited the manuscript and offered invaluable suggestions on how to improve my writing. Another longtime friend who provided great encouragement was Reece Bandy. I can always be sure he will offer the truth without sugar coating it. Colonel James Harding, USAF, retired, a warrior for whom I have great respect, also provided helpful suggestions and was a great encouragement. Because of my background in law enforcement I especially appreciate Springfield, Tennessee Police Chief David Thompson’s review of my work. Chief Thompson knows firsthand, better than most, how The Art of War plays out in daily life. After all is said, there is one critic who has been most valuable of all, my bride of nearly 40 years, Debi. As with all my writing, she read each chapter and made helpful notes. I learned long ago, that when she says something doesn’t make sense, then it doesn’t make sense. To all of you, Thank you.

Introduction

Only the Dead have seen the end to war. Plato

It was Leon Trotsky who famously said, You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you. We live in an age in which the topic of war is not politically correct and sophisticated people do not discuss such things. Typically, when the topic of war does come up it is all academic and hypothetical much like the Russian Nobility portrayed in the early chapters of Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The problem is that war remains with us, and will not go away. Like it or not, war defines our history. Like bookends of humankind’s existence, the first recorded battle took place in the 15th century BC at Megiddo, and according to apocalyptic literature, the final battle of history will also be at Megiddo. As we are witnessing worldwide, no one is immune from this scourge. Citizens once thought safe from physical violence in Europe and the United States now feel the impact of a battle that originated half a world away over one thousand years ago. The dilemma of armed conflict has been with us from the very beginning. You could say the first war was recorded in the Genesis account of Cain and Abel when Cain killed his brother out of jealousy. The New Testament book of James (4:1-2) says the reason for conflicts on a personal level is that we want more than we have. The same can be said of nations. The Greek Historian Thucydides said essentially the same thing as he explained why Sparta developed a military state. The reason was that invaders constantly tried to take their fertile farm land. The desire to take from someone else is not the only reason for war. Another reason is that some people hate those who are different. Unfortunately, human nature has not changed over the millennia. Thus, conflict remains, and we must deal with it.

All of life involves conflict and overcoming challenges of some kind. Just as warfare involves taking calculated chances and seeking opportunities, the same can be said of investing, starting and growing businesses and interpersonal relations. In preparation for many future decisions this process begins with selecting an education and making career decisions. Every aspect of our existence involves choices and decisions. Even so, there is no worldly endeavor more fraught with problem solving than war. The military philosopher Carl von Clausewitz described the difficulties of war as fog and friction. Essentially you can correctly make every decision, and do everything right and still lose. While there are libraries full of treatises on warfare, there is one book in particular that most comprehensively deals with how to succeed in an armed struggle-The Art of War.

While there is no general agreement as to the actual existence of one particular person named Sun Tzu (The Master), the author or authors wrote The Art of War over 2,500 years ago, and the treatise has endured the ages. Technology and knowledge have changed tremendously since that time. However, human nature and the essential character of war have not changed. I first read The Art of War in 1983 when I was a young lieutenant in the US Air Force. Since then I have reread it several times and have come to appreciate even more the timelessness of its content. The author’s observations and advice remain as valid in the 21st Century as it was in 500 BC. Many scholars have voiced their appreciation of the continuing relevancy of Sun Tzu’s counsel, and people often pay lip service to his book by quoting various parts, most notably, know the enemy and know yourself and in 100 battles you will never be in peril. Others have praised The Art of War for its application in all areas of life, most notably the business arena. Still, I personally get the impression few people understand how to apply these principles, and really study how they have played out in history.

My goal here is to make this timeless gem understandable for all readers. I have used the original 1910 translation by British scholar, Lionel Giles as the basis for my paraphrase. This particular translation leaves out the ancient commentary found in other versions. By using more modern language and providing a very brief commentary making use of historic examples that should be more familiar, I hope readers will gain a greater understanding of how Sun Tzu’s principles work. A book can be written on each principle covered in The Art of War. My objective is not to write a lengthy exposition, but rather provide enough familiarization that the readers can pursue these things further if they are interested. Furthermore, though less than ten percent of the US population serves or ever has served in the armed forces it is important for every citizen to understand the implications of military action. Military action or in some cases the lack there of, in the very least, impact the population in the form of taxes and at worst in loss of the brave youth who have subscribed to the unlimited liability clause, i.e., the willingness to sacrifice their lives for their country. Historically warfare can also spell the destruction of nations and cultures. Thus, it is of the greatest importance that every person is aware of war’s enormous cost. As Sun Tzu said in chapter one, it is of vital importance to the state.

I. Planning for War

Why study war and conflict? To neglect its study is a grave mistake. The Master, General Sun Tzu said there is absolutely nothing more important to a nation than knowing when and how to conduct war. Warfare is a monster. It can result in life or death, and it can preserve a culture or destroy it. For these reasons alone it is a subject that must be studied, and to neglect it is the height of folly.

Attention to detail is the beginning of the study of warfare. The details are all in five considerations one must recognize and take into account when planning an armed conflict. These considerations, explained in detail below, are:

1. The Moral Law

2. Heaven

3. Earth

4. The Commander

5. Method and Discipline

Now this is what each of these mean. The Moral Law involves the people’s support of the official making the decision and their willingness to sacrifice and suffer in pursuit of his or her war objectives. When the general speaks of heaven, he is in fact referring to the time of day or night, the temperature, whether it is cold or hot, the time of year and the seasons, all of which are important in military planning. Earth, in the master’s view involves such considerations as distance, whether the distance is great or small, and the degree of the terrain’s vulnerability such as open ground which would provide room to maneuver or narrow passes which could be very deadly. The commander stands or falls based on the qualities of knowing what to do, and when and how to do it. The commander must set an inspiring example in dedication to the task, genuine concern for the personnel, personal bravery, and disciplinary firmness. Finally, method and discipline deal with organization. The army must be divided into hierarchical units both large and small with appropriately ranked officers appointed over them. Furthermore, the ability to communicate with home, move supplies and equipment as well as keep them in good repair is vital to the maintenance of the armed force.

Every general who is fit for the job must be intimately familiar with these five considerations, and their many facets. The general who understands and correctly applies these aspects of war will not fail in obtaining victory.

Now, when considering going to war, make your decision on the basis of comparisons between your force and the enemy’s. For example, which force is most supported by the citizenry? Which general is the most skilled? Who has the greatest advantage in regard to the climate and the lay of the land? On which side is discipline the greatest? Which army is the strongest? Which side has the best trained leadership? Which army is most consistent in reward and discipline among the rank and file? General Sun Tzu maintained that based on these comparisons, he could foretell victory or defeat.

Sun Tzu was confident that any general who followed his dictates would be successful and should be retained in command. On the other hand, any general who ignores these principles will suffer defeat and should not be retained in command. In addition to this, Sun Tzu advised taking advantage of any other opportunities that might not be covered in his rules.

While devising a solid, well thought out, strategy is indispensable to engaging in conflict, don’t be afraid to modify your plans. As the situation changes and opportunities arise seize those advantages. Furthermore, in preparing for battle and following through on your preplanned arrangements, never forget that all warfare is based on deceiving your enemy. Think of it in this way; if you are able and ready to attack, give them the impression you are not in a position to engage in battle. Take actions that lead them to believe you are relaxing when you are preparing for action. Even in situations in which you are on your enemy’s doorstep, take steps to make them think you are nowhere near them. Then when your army is actually far away, convince your opponent that you are close by. Do what you can to draw your enemy into a trap such as pretending to be disorganized.

As you strategize and keep your eye open for opportunities, keep the following in mind. If your adversary is well protected