approximately 5th century Sunzi

Sunzi, often known in English as Sun Tzu, is traditionally described as a Chinese military strategist and general who flourished around the 5th century BCE, near the end of the Spring and Autumn period. He is most closely associated with The Art of War, a concise and influential work on strategy, leadership, and conflict.

Because he lived so long ago, the details of his life are uncertain. Traditional accounts connect him with the state of Wu, but major reference works also note that the text attributed to him may have taken shape over time, with some parts likely dating later than the man himself. That mix of history and legend is part of what makes him so fascinating.

Even with those uncertainties, Sunzi's reputation has endured across centuries. The Art of War has been read not only as a military manual, but also as a guide to planning, discipline, and understanding rivals without rushing into battle.