Being A Rebel

Ssu-ma Ch`ien gives the following biography of Sun Tzu: Sun Tzu Wu was a native of the Ch`i State. His Art of War brought him to the notice of Ho Lu, King of Wu. Ho Lu said to him: “I have carefully perused your 13 chapters. May I submit your theory of managing soldiers to a slight test?” Sun Tzu replied: “You may.” Ho Lu asked: “May the test be applied to women?” The answer was again in the affirmative, so arrangements were made to bring 180 ladies out of the Palace. Sun Tzu divided them into two companies, and placed one of the King’s favorite concubines at the head of each. He then bade them all take spears in their hands, and addressed them thus: “I presume you know the difference between front and back, right hand and left hand?” The girls replied: “Yes.” Sun Tzu went on: “When I say ‘Eyes front’, you must look straight ahead. When I say ‘Left turn’, you must face towards your left hand. When I say ‘Right turn’, you must face towards your right hand. When I say ‘About turn’, you m...