NAIROBI, July 24 (Xinhua) --The seminal publication of "The Art of War" by Chinese military strategist and genius Sun Tzu has provided inspiration to Kenyan youth, keen to confront present challenges and chart a brighter future.
The youth from Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University, Kenya's second oldest university, said that after reading Sun Tzu's works, they felt a sense of urgency to be optimistic, courageous and agile in the face of challenges.
Kenyatta University recently set up a Study House of Sun Tzu, where his influential works are on display and available for reading by local students and their tutors.
Eddy Paul Kirimi, a 20-year-old Chinese language student at the university's Confucius Institute, said that he learned about the publication of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" while doing online research, triggering his curiosity about it.
"The book itself talks about the art of war. I think it helps a lot in life and also in jobs. The most outstanding lesson I have learned from the book is that in any situation, you have to be courageous and strong," Kirimi said during an interview on Wednesday.
He added that upon reading the book, he learned about the virtues of determination, perseverance, focus and strategic calculation in order to achieve success in life.
Kirimi said that Sun Tzu's works have provided a window through which local youth observe and appreciate Chinese culture, philosophy, and wisdom.
During the discussion about Sun Tzu's seminal works with fellow youth, Kirimi said there is a consensus that life is full of challenges, but armed with wisdom and courage, one can always find a solution.
In 2023, Kirimi enrolled at Shandong Normal University for a six-month Chinese language course, exposing him to the rich culture of the Asian nation.
Some of the Chinese culture that Kirimi admires include the use of chopsticks and diverse costumes even as he envisions a future where cross-cultural exchanges between Kenya and China thrive.
"Creating this connection between China and Kenya will help us because many Chinese are opening their companies in Kenya and they need translators. Also we need to learn more about the Chinese," Kirimi said.
Sun Tzu was a Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher and writer credited as the author of "The Art of War", an influential work of military strategy that has impacted both western and eastern philosophy and military thought, according to Wikipedia.
In addition, Sun Tzu is revered in Chinese and East Asian culture as a legendary historical and military figure.
With a Study House of Sun Tzu in place at Kenya's second oldest university, local youth including Phyllis Wahura Maina have vowed to deepen their understanding of Sun Tzu, and apply his enduring wisdom in real life.
As a Chinese language student at the university's Confucius Institute, Maina said that since she started reading Sun Tzu's book, it has influenced her to think positively, strategize in a more targeted manner, and appreciate Chinese culture.
According to Maina, the book has also taught her the value of thinking ahead, confronting life's challenges head on even as she encouraged fellow Kenyans to use it as a guiding light while pursuing their life goals.
The 24-year-old who has benefited from a one-year study tour in China said she looked forward to robust Sino-Kenya cooperation in the realm of economy and culture.
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