Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu Traditional Chinese 孫子 Simplified Chinese 孙子 Literal meaning Master Sun Transcriptions Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Sūnzǐ Wade–Giles Sun-tzu IPA [swə n tsɨ ] Middle Chinese Middle Chinese Swon-tsi Sun Wu Traditional Chinese 孫武 Simplified Chinese 孙武 Transcriptions Mandarin Tongyong Pinyin Sūn Wǔ Wade–Giles Sun Wu Changqing Traditional Chinese 長卿 Simplified Chinese 长卿 Transcriptions Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Chángqīng Wade–Giles Ch'ang-ch'ing Sun Tzu (/ˈsuːnˈdzuː/; also rendered as Sun Zi) was a Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher who lived in the Spring and Autumn Period of ancient China. The name he is best known by is actually an honorific which means "Master Sun": His birth name was Sun Wu and he was known outside of his family by his courtesy name Changqing. He is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, an extremely influential ancient Chinese book on military strategy. Sun Tzu has had a significant impact on Chinese and Asian history and culture, both as the author of The Art of War and as a legendary historical figure. Sun Tzu's historicity is uncertain. Sima Qian and other traditional historians placed him as a minister to King Helü of Wu and dated his lifetime to 544–496 BC. Modern scholars accepting his historicity nonetheless place the existing text of The Art of War in the later Warring States period based upon its style of composition and its descriptions of warfare. Traditional accounts state that the general's descendant Sun Bin also wrote a treatise on military tactics, also titled The Art of War. Since both Sun Wu and Sun Bin were referred to as Sun Tzu in classical Chinese texts, some historians believed them identical prior to the rediscovery of Sun Bin's treatise in 1972. Sun Tzu's work has been praised and employed throughout East Asia since its composition. During the twentieth century, The Art of War grew in popularity and saw practical use in Western society as well. It continues to influence many competitive endeavors in Asia, Europe, and America including culture, politics, business, and sports, as well as modern warfare.