Military Strategist · 544 BC – 496 BC
Sun Tzu
Distilled the principles of warfare, deception and leadership into The Art of War, a work that shaped military thought across Asia and is studied today in armies, businesses and boardrooms worldwide.
Greatest Achievements
- Authored the most influential work on strategy in history.
- Systematized the use of deception, terrain, timing and intelligence in war.
Major Accomplishments
- Authored the most influential work on strategy in history.
- Systematized the use of deception, terrain, timing and intelligence in war.
Military Feats
- Reputed to have led the armies of Wu to major victories over the larger state of Chu.
Major Works
- The Art of War (Sunzi Bingfa)
Impact Analysis
The Art of War shaped East Asian warfare for two thousand years and, in modern times, has been embraced by Western militaries, business leaders and sports coaches as a guide to strategy and competition.
Historical influence score: 90/100