The Art of War
2025-04-08Wait, a White Horse Isn’t a Horse? 🤔 The Weird Genius of Gongsun Longzi
2025-04-08Here’s a structured yet conversational introduction to The Art of War by Sun Bin (《孙膑兵法》):
What is The Art of War by Sun Bin（《孙膑兵法》）?
The Art of War by Sun Bin is an ancient Chinese military text, written by Sun Bin (孙膑), a famous strategist from the Warring States period (4th century BCE). Unlike Sun Tzu’s Art of War, this book focuses more on tactics, formations, and battlefield strategies.
Key Features:
- Author’s Background – Sun Bin was a descendant of Sun Tzu but lived in a more chaotic era. His own life (like being persecuted and disabled) shaped his strategies.
- Military Tactics – The book details how to deceive enemies, use terrain, and command troops effectively.
- Philosophy – Emphasizes flexibility, deception, and psychological warfare (similar to Sun Tzu but more battle-focused).
- Rediscovery – The book was lost for 2,000 years until rediscovered in a 1972 archaeological dig!
Why It Matters?
- Shows evolution of Chinese military thought after Sun Tzu.
- Teaches adaptability—winning even with weaker forces.
- Still studied by business leaders, strategists, and historians today.
Fun Fact:
Sun Bin once defeated a stronger army by faking a retreat and ambushing the enemy—proving his tactics work!