Sun Tzu, also known as Sun Wu, was a Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher, and writer who lived during the Eastern Zhou period, specifically in the sixth century BCE. He is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, a seminal text on military strategy that has influenced both Eastern and Western thought. Although some modern scholars debate the authorship and historical accuracy of his life, Sun Tzu's contributions to military strategy remain significant and enduring.

Historically, Sun Tzu is believed to have served as a general for the king of the southern Chinese state of Wu during a time of considerable conflict known as the Warring States period. His strategic insights, as articulated in The Art of War, emphasize the importance of adaptability, deception, and understanding the enemy, principles that continue to be relevant in various fields beyond the military, including business and leadership.