Category: Sun Tzu vs. USNA – 1001 HH215 The West in the Pre-Modern World

Maintaining the Mental Edge

In Sun Tzu’s Art of War parable, the over-arching philosophy he describes is a focus on the mental state of war more than physical tactics. While the carrying out of ferocious military plans will no doubt help win a battle or war, Tzu writes about almost entirely the psychological aspects of preparing for war. HeContinue reading “Maintaining the Mental Edge”

A Game of Chess

Upon reviewing Sun Tzu’s Art of War, the transcript can best be described as simple, calm, and thoughtful. Throughout the reading, I felt as though Tzu was characterizing war as a game of chess, which can only be mastered by a player that is methodical, strategic, and well versed in the game. Thus, Sun Tzu’sContinue reading “A Game of Chess”

Sun Tzu’s Modern Relevance

In Sun Tzu’s Art of War, he provides an interesting philosophical approach to how war should be handled. While this document was written ages ago, some of it is very relevant to now. Additionally, some of it is contradictory to the techniques and tactics we are taught at the Naval Academy. While Sun Tzu’s philosophyContinue reading “Sun Tzu’s Modern Relevance”

What makes a leader

In Sun Tzu’s Art of War, he focuses on how to be a good leader and ensure that you win in whatever it is you do. He first begins with Five Fundamentals: The Way, Heaven, Earth, Command, Discipline. Sun Tzu describes “The Way” as men and their superiors being all on one accord as wellContinue reading “What makes a leader”

Ship, Shipmate, Self

Taking a look into Sun Tzu’s “Art of War,” parallels can be drawn from it that reflect some ideas , techniques, and tactics that we are taught here at the Naval Academy. The overarching philosophy that Sun Tzu introduces, is the importance of strategy for the good of the state and the chances of successContinue reading “Ship, Shipmate, Self”

Art of USNA

Sun Tzu’s over-arching philosophy throughout Art of War is that the most knowledgeable commander will be able to lead his force to victory, even if a battle does not occur. Sun Tzu writes about how much of a battle is won before the battle even begins, because of preparations, deception, and wisdom of warfare. TheContinue reading “Art of USNA”

Aggressive but not Reckless

David A. Majd-Faridi Sun Tzu’s writing in The Art of War is a brilliant product of years of experience of combat and leading armies with the purpose to bring forward the hard and important lessons that have been learned on the battlefield. While reading excerpts from a few of the chapters provided to us,Continue reading “Aggressive but not Reckless”

Sun Tzu vs. USNA

Sun Tzu vs. USNA 12 Strong, by Doug Stanton, retells the story of the beginning of the War on Terror following the attacks on September 11, 2001. In the months after the terrorist attacks a small group of American Special Forces touched down in Afghanistan and began fighting alongside the local tribes. The mission wasContinue reading “Sun Tzu vs. USNA”

Art of Academy

“The Art of War” written by Sun Tzu offers insight into the most important aspects of war. From his writing, discipline and preparation most closely connect to what the Naval Academy teaches its Midshipmen in regard to preparation for the Fleet. Sun Tzu claims there are five fundamentals of war: the way, heaven, earth, command,Continue reading “Art of Academy”