Chinese.

This is coolbert:

In the introduction to his translation of the work of Sun Tzu, Lionel Giles mentions some Chinese generals of antiquity that were renowned for their military prowess. Disciples and students of Sun who adhered to the philosophies of the “master” [Sun].

General officers, commanders of armies, and military campaigners who compare favorably against ANY “western”general of ANY period.

[think Alexander, Caesar, Napoleon, Wellington, Grant, etc. Commanders in the “western” tradition.]

One such great captain of Chinese antiquity according to Giles was T’sao T’sao. Also known as Cao Cao.

[there are a number of formats for converting spoken Chinese to roman or Latin letters. The format Wade-Giles refers to this man as T’sao T’sao. In the pinyin format, he is Cao Cao. Same person!]

T’sao T’sao was also a poet in addition to being a great general.

"a brilliant ruler and military genius who treated his officers like his family. He was also skilled in poetry and the martial arts, and wrote many war journals."

"An old war-horse may be stabled,
Yet still it longs to gallop a thousand li;"

"And a noble-hearted man though advanced in years
Never abandons his proud aspirations."

This is NOT a contradiction. T’sao T'sao was adept at the five excellence's that are attributes of a Chinese gentleman.

[those five excellence's are skill at a martial art, calligraphy, poetry, painting, and a healing technique. I had originally thought that archery was one of the excellence's, but apparently ANY martial art will do. Healing techniques include herbal medicine, acupuncture, chi gong, etc.]

Another Chinese great captain of antiquity, from the list of Giles, is Li Shih Min.

The Tang Dynasty ONLY became the ruling power in China AS A RESULT of the military victories of Li Shih Min.

"is known as the 'General from Heaven', for his undisputed skill in battle"

"born as Li Shì Mín, was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. Taizong [adopted the name Taizong when he became emperor] ruled from 626 to 649. He encouraged his father, Li Yuan, to start the uprising that established the Tang dynasty from Taiyuan. Today, many credit Taizong as co-founder of the Tang dynasty."

[the Chinese consider the Tang Dynasty to be the apogee of their cultural development. When President Clinton made a state visit to China, he was greeted in the manner with which a Tang Emperor would have met a visiting foreign dignitary!!]

"At the time, it was said that there was no need for the people to lock their doors at night and items left on the road remained untouched by others. The prosperity of the era under the leadership of Taizong and his renowned officials epitomizes the peak of traditional rulership that future generations would strive to emulate."

It is said of China, "it is a good thing the Chinese are such a peaceable nation, otherwise they could conquer the world!!"

Napoleon is reputed to have said, “when the Chinese dragon awakens from it’s sleep, the whole world will tremble!!”

I would agree that the basic nature of Chinese civilization and culture is harmony and pacific. BUT, war has also been a constant of Chinese history, as it has been for the rest of the world as well.

Gulp!!

coolbert.