Sun Tzu vs. The Wisdom of the Desert

Sun Tzu vs. The Wisdom of the Desert

In the many forms it may take, conflict has been with the human race since the beginning of time. Conflict may occur within the self or with other; it has caused wars and created strife throughout whole countries as well as in the lives of individuals. The world has never not known conflict, yet many still seem to be distraught when it occurs in their realm. Conquering conflict then seems to be the conflict itself. Whether the conflict is spiritual or militaristic, resolving and conquering it sometimes uses the same tactics. The Art of War and The Wisdom of the Desert are two books that, though their audiences may lean in opposite directions, the theme of conquering conflict is at the heart of each book.

Resolving conflict successfully can be done in many different ways. At times it may be necessary to engage in forceful or violent methods, other times more subtle means can be employed. The Art of War by Sun Tzu gives instructions on waging a successful war, while The Wisdom of the Desert teaches the lesson of "turning the other cheek" when faced with physical opposition. This is not to say however, that the desert monks did not vigorously fight against internal as well as external conflict, for conquering evil was their main purpose in life. One of the main themes in both these books is using strategy in facing conflict. Military commanders know how important planning and executions to winning a battle, not to mention a war. Sun Tzu explained strategy in his book. He states:

The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but a few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead t...

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...n to overcome temptation and

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weakness of the heart and mind which was their own worst enemy. They felt that by prayer, love patience and humility, all conflicts of internal and external nature could be conquered. They, too, needed to know what temptations were at hand in order to succeed in conquering them. Although the way of dealing with conflict is vastly different in each of these books, the theme is true for all mankind. People will always be faced with difficulties and strife, but it is how they are dealt with in the beginning that determines whether the outcome will be positive or negative.

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Reference List

Clavell, James. 1983 The Art of War by Sun Tzu New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.

Merton, Thomas. 1960 The Wisdom of the Desert New York: New Directions Publishing Corporation.