To-day Sun and Wu have given way to the scientific works of European writers, but their sayings have become proverbs, and their influence undoubtedly helped the Japanese to victory in the late war. Belief in the importance of a knowledge of the enemy and his resources, of preparation and training, had grown out of a long study of these ancient masters; and since it was the vital importance of a successful issue to the Japanese which, after all, fired their resolution and carried them through, they proved the sages words that it is the energy, born of despair, that wins the victory.
III
Little is known of the life of either master. They were in no sense patriots but professional strategists, continually changing their employer. Chinese history tells a famous story about Sun. A certain ruler asked Sun to give a practical demonstration of his principles in the neighbourhood of the palace, and entrusted him with the women of the court for this purpose. During the operations, the leader of one of the sides did not obey the masters instructions, and her execution was ordered. She happened to be the kings favourite wife, but Sun pointed out that the kings wish that her life should be spared was a case of political interference with the general in the field; and the sentence was carried out.
Wu is represented as a person of low moral character. On two separate occasions, for fear of giving rise to suspicion, he killed one of his wives who belonged to a state with which his employer at the time was at war; and, graver still in the eyes of the Chinese historian, he was not present at the death-bed of his mother.
E. F. C.
NOTE.
The translator is indebted to Major J. C. Somerville for his kind help and criticism.The articles of Suntzu
I
Preliminary reckoning
The words of Sun the Master:-
To all nations War is a great matter. Upon the army death or life depend: it is the means of the existence or destruction of the State.
Therefore it must be diligently studied.
Now, in war, besides stratagem and the situation, there are five indispensable matters. The first is called The Way;[1] the second, Heaven; the third, Earth; the fourth, the Leader; the fifth, Law.
The Way or the proper conduct of man. If the ruling authority be upright, the people are united: fearless of danger, their lives are at the service of their Lord.
Heaven. Yin and Yang;[2] heat and cold; time and season.
Earth. Distance; nature; extent; strategic position.
The Leader. Intelligence; truth; benevolence; courage and strictness.
Примечания
1
The five virtues of humanity, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and faith are known as The Way.
2
The Yin and Yang are the two principles into which natural phenomena are divided in Chinese philosophy. Yin is the masculine, active, or light principle, and Yang is the feminine, passive, or dark principle. In this connection, day and night, rain, mist and wind are designated.