Learning Chinese Culture as an ESL Teacher: Sun Tzu

The tale of literature written by a blade

Sun Tzu is arguably one of the most famous figures from ancient China, enjoying fame across the globe as the author of his strategic military advice known as The Art of War. Living from roughly 544 to 496 BCE, Sun Tzu rose to prominence during the tumultuous Spring and Autumn Period of China. His lifetime was within the famed Eastern Zhou period (771–256 BC).

Sun Tzu’s work would go on to influence military strategy for all time, often being adopted for business tactics, legal stratagems and branches of philosophy.

A Brief History of Sun Tzu

Though there is some doubt to Sun Tzu’s existence, prominent stories of him have melded into Chinese pseudo-history.

One of the earliest accounts of Sun Tzu’s life comes in the form of a short biography written in 97 BCE by Sima Qian in the text Records of the Grand History. In this text, Sun Tzu is summoned to the throne of King Helü of Wu, after the king was told of the legendary tactician.

To demonstrate his abilities as a military commander, Sun Tzu was ordered to train the king’s personal harem of 180 concubines into soldiers. Sun Tzu divided the concubines into two companies and promptly gave them orders, which they laughed at, unable to believe the command. Despite the king’s attempts protests, Sun Tzu immediately executed the two leading concubines, promoting others in their place. His next orders were obeyed and Sun Tzu commenced with training them. His success in creating a fighting force from concubines earned him an appointment as the general of the state of Wu, after which Sun Tzu secured victory against the far larger state of Chu during the Battle of Boju.

Interesting Facts About Sun Tzu

Below are some interesting pieces of information regarding the famed strategist.

Sun Tzu’s Name

Sun Tzu’s published name is an honorific, meaning Master Sun. It’s the name he’s most known by, though Chinese tradition states his birth name was Sun Wu. He’s also posthumously associated with the name Changqing.

Foundations of Dao

Many of Sun Tzu’s philosophies in battle are rooted in Dao concepts. Flexibility, adaptability and utilizing the natural order of the world are cornerstones of his strategies. The Art of War touches on various scenarios where such thought patterns are dominant in combat.

Early Life

Sun Tzu’s early life is generally unknown. However, popular literature describes him as the son of a powerful aristocrat. Supposedly, Sun Tzu was fascinated by warfare and became a notorious mercenary soldier. Eventually, his name rose to prominence following his successes, reputation of leadership and the creation of The Art of War. 

The Cornerstones of Warfare Strategy

Sun Tzu’s book is actually quite short, focusing on thirteen distinct chapters covering strategies for specific aspects of war. These include:

1. Laying Plans
2. Waging War
3. The Plan of Attack
4. Positioning
5. Directing
6. Weak Points and Strong
7. Maneuvering
8. The Nine Variations
9. The Army on the March
10. Terrain
11. The Nine Terrains
12. Attack by Fire
13. The Use of Spies

Conclusion

Interestingly, Sun Tzu didn’t advocate war. His writings caution against war, recommending that it be avoided whenever possible. However, in the event that war did arrive, it was vital to gain victory as quickly as possible. Long wars were considered harmful, even for the winner.

Knowing Sun Tzu and other famous Chinese historical figures is an excellent way to connect with Chinese culture and Chinese students. There are few figures in ancient China which maintain the same level of fame as Sun Tzu does, making his career an ideal touchstone for ESL teachers working in China.