Sun Tzu(孫子)

Sun Tzu was a Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher, and writer who lived during the Eastern Zhou period (771–256 BC). Traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, his influential work on military strategy has profoundly shaped both Western and East Asian philosophy and military thinking. Revered in Chinese and East Asian culture as a legendary historical and military figure, his birth name was Sun Wu, while Changqing was his courtesy name used outside his family. The name "Sun Tzu" – by which he is more commonly known – is an honorific meaning "Master Sun."

Sun Tzu is credited with mastering ancient Chinese military science and developing the military doctrine of asymmetrical warfare, which dictates that attacks should only begin when the enemy has no opportunity to defend or counterattack. This approach was employed during the Warring States era in ancient China (approximately 475–221 BC), with specific combat combinations having designated names, descriptions, and classifications.

The historical existence of Sun Tzu remains uncertain. Han dynasty historian Sima Qian and other traditional Chinese historians described him as a minister to King Helü of Wu and placed his lifetime from 544–496 BC. However, many modern scholars who accept his historicity date the existing text of The Art of War to the later Warring States period (475–221 BC), based on its composition style and warfare descriptions. According to traditional accounts, the general's descendant Sun Bin also wrote a military treatise titled The Art of War. Since classical Chinese texts referred to both Sun Wu and Sun Bin as "Sun Tzu," some historians considered them the same person until Sun Bin's treatise was rediscovered in 1972.

Sun Tzu's work has been praised and utilized throughout East Asian military history since its creation, eventually gaining worldwide attention. During the twentieth century, The Art of War grew increasingly popular and found practical application in the Western world as well.