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Introduction: Sun Wu and His Book
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Ssu-ma Ch`ien gives the following biography of Sun Tzu: [1]
Sun Tzu Wu (=Sun Tzu) was a native of the Ch`i State. His ART OF WAR
brought him to the notice of Ho Lu, [2] King of Wu. Ho Lu said to him: "I
have carefully perused your 13 chapters. May I submit your theory of
managing soldiers to a slight test?" Sun Tzu replied: "You may." Ho Lu
asked: "May the test be applied to women?" The answer was again in the
affirmative, so arrangements were made to bring 180 ladies out of the
Palace.
Sun Tzu divided them into two companies, and placed one of the King's
favorite concubines at the head of each. He then bade them all take spears
in their hands, and addressed them thus: "I presume you know the difference
between front and back, right h and and left hand?" The girls replied: Yes.
Sun Tzu went on: "When I say "Eyes front," you must look straight ahead.
When I say "Left turn," you must face towards your left hand. When I say
"Right turn," you must face towards your right hand. When I say "About
turn," you must face right roun d towards your back." Again the girls
assented. The words of command having been thus explained, he set up the
halberds and battle-axes in order to begin the drill. Then, to the sound of
drums, he gave the order "Right turn." But the girls only burst out
laughing. Sun Tzu said: "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if
orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame."
So he started drilling them again, and this time gave the order "Left
turn," whereupon the girls once more burst into fits of laughter. Sun Tzu:
"If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not
thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders ARE
clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their
officers."
So saying, he ordered the leaders of the two companies to be beheaded. Now
the king of Wu was watching the scene from the top of a raised pavilion;
and when he saw that his favorite concubines were about to be executed, he
was greatly alarmed and hurried ly sent down the following message: "We are
now quite satisfied as to our general's ability to handle troops. If we are
bereft of these two concubines, our meat and drink will lose their savor.
It is our wish that they shall not be beheaded."
Sun Tzu replied: "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." Accordingly, he had the
two leaders beheaded, and straig htway installed the pair next in order as
leaders in their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded for
the drill once more; and the girls went through all the evolution, turning
to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling back, k neeling or
standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, not venturing to utter a
sound.
Then Sun Tzu sent a messenger to the King saying: "Your |