History credits the Chinese General Sun Tzu (circa 500 BC) with authoring a series of essays on the subject of war. Considered to be the earliest known treatises on the subject, Sun Tzu discussed military organization, defensive and offensive strategies as well as tactical maneuvering. Of his many essays his best known work, The Art of War, continues to be a reference for modern military strategists. Sun Tzu's longevity is indebted mainly to Father J. J. M. Amiot, a French Jesuit priest, who brought a translation back to Europe shortly before the French Revolution. The nucleus of Sun Tzu's principles for the conduct of war are: "All warfare is based on deception" and "The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting". In addition to Sun Tzu's later western influence, his ideas spread throughout continental Asia and eventually to Japan. The Japanese were quick to adopt Sun Tzu's precepts; eventually adding a few chapters to The Art of War of their own. In the end,!
             Sun Tzu's treatises played a significant role in later Japanese military strategies and history. Although Sun Tzu's work is credited to the Spring and Autumn Period, it is interesting to note the following era was that of the Warring States. Whether or not Sun Tzu's treatises are simply a product of their time or an ominous indicator is difficult to discern. What is clear, however, is the dramatic nature of his subsequential historical impact. "If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt. If you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete", Sun Tzu said. Being one of his most famous sayings, it has urged thousands and thousands of strategists to meticulously analyze their enemies and opponents. A stratagem of timeless value, appreciated by military leaders of all times. The military thought expounded in Sun Tzu's Art of War is abundant, almost touching on all aspects of ancient wars. His thirteen chapters o...