Dynasties have crumbled under its weight, the delicate tapestry of national unity torn asunder, and eras of foreign dominion endured. Yet, amid the tumultuous currents of Chinese history, a distinct paradigm of warfare emerges, one divergent from the doctrines that steered Europe’s battles.

In the realm of strategic literature, The Tao of Deception emerges not only as a guidepost for military theorists and historians but also as a testament to the author’s astute insight into the intricacies of warfare. Written by Ralph D. Sawyer, the book was met with incredible success abroad, and it has been translated into several languages, including Chinese in Taiwan, as well as unauthorized Chinese and Russian versions. 

At the heart of this exploration lies the foundational principle that deception is not merely a tactical choice but a cornerstone of Chinese military doctrine. In Chinese military thought, deception stands shoulder to shoulder with fire and maneuver as a pillar of strategy. This contrasts with Western military ethos, which has historically grappled with the moral implications of deception, often relegating it to the outskirts of honorable warfare. Amid the tapestry of tactics, ideologies, and ethical values, a resounding theme emerges – the primacy of creativity over brute strength.

A Modern Reading – The Threats of Qi

One remarkable aspect of the book is its lucid exploration of the concept of qi. Translated as “pneuma, breath or spirit,” the author adeptly elucidates how this term encapsulated not only the spirit of the army but also China’s indomitable will to engage in conflict. This principle underscored the profound significance of courage and righteousness as foundational elements for achieving triumph in warfare. Echoes of the same sentiment resonate in the Analects, “The virtuous undoubtedly possess courage, yet courage does not invariably entail virtue.” Hence, Chinese military philosophers championed a resolute mindset over the ethical quandaries that often confronted Western civilizations.

To learn more about the author’s perspective on the salient themes of the book, The Granite Tower (GT) conducted an interview soliciting his interpretations.

GT: Are there equivalent or similar concepts to qi in other civilizations that you know? How would you compare China’s military past with the rest of the world?

Sawyer Unorthodox thinkers and practitioners appeared in every society throughout history – men who escaped the confines of doctrines that constricted the tactical possibilities dooming them to defeat. Greek, Roman – despite their insistence that they only used straightforward measures – medieval Western, early American, Japanese, and Korean commanders all conceived of unorthodox measures and successfully employed them to achieve victory in highly disadvantageous circumstances. But only the Chinese pondered the meaning and implications and developed a continuous tradition of thoughtful implementation, just as they did for deception and spycraft. The Byzantines, though, especially Emperors Maurice and Leo VI, also took some tentative steps in this direction, as their writings show.

GT: What are the dangers posed by a commendation of unorthodox warfare?

Sawyer The danger, it seems to me, is that someone with minimal resources can be deluded into thinking unorthodox measures will provide the solution to their problems rather than immediately plunge the world into hell. In this regard, the direst possibility is that North Korea’s leadership, which is apparently well aware of the unimaginable impact an electromagnetic pulse would have upon the United States’ (U.S.) electricity grid, will actually use a supposed test rocket to unexpectedly detonate a nuclear device over the central U.S. In drawing the final threads of this narrative together, The Tao of Deception can be regarded as an insightful portal into a philosophy rooted in a high spirit of adaptability, challenging conventional norms, and emphasizing the importance of a courageous attitude. While this work may inspire readers to think outside the box, the ambiguity of qi should also warn readers against the downsides of being captured by the temptation of a drastic and speedy solution.

Book Information

Title: The Tao of Deception: Unorthodox Warfare in Historic and Modern China

Author: Ralph D. Sawyer Publisher: New York: Basic Books Publication Year: 2007

Pages: 489