The
Story of Sun Tzu
Sun
Tzu is a famous military strategist who wrote a book titled THE
ART OF WAR, which over the centuries has
become a highly regarded treatise on military theory.
Ssu-ma
Ch`ien gives the following biography of Sun Tzu:
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, 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 straightway 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, kneeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, not
venturing to utter a sound.
Then Sun
Tzu sent a messenger to the King saying: "Your soldiers, Sire, are
now properly drilled and disciplined, and ready for your majesty's
inspection. They can be put to any use that their sovereign may desire;
bid them go through fire and water, an d they will not disobey."