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Who is Sun Tzu, who wrote The Art Of War
- by J. Khoo @ Mr Art of War
- Dec 10, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Who wrote "The Art of War" book?
This military book of strategy was written by an ancient Chinese general and military strategist named Sun Tzu (also known as Sun Wu).
Sun Tzu wrote The Art of War 2500 years ago. In this topic, we will discuss all about,
Explore what is in Sun Tzu's mind when he wrote the book?
Sun Tzu could have wrote the book for a few reasons.
1. To get a job as a military advisor: It was a period of turmoil when there were battles within China. An Art Of War book displays hid knowledge in military affairs.
2. To become a philosopher: Every state in China sought sages or wise individuals, creating a demand for such roles. This era, known as "The Hundred Schools of Thought," saw numerous aspiring philosophers developing their philosophies in hopes of securing a prominent government position serving a ruler. Sun Tzu's "Art of War" is classified under the "School of military thoughts."
3. To establish a legacy: Sun Tzu hailed from a noble class, and his military expertise was derived from both his own understanding and the teachings imparted by his family and relatives, who held prominent military and government roles.
His book was a crucial strategy guide for every king and general. Today, it serves as a reference for CEOs, business owners, people aiming to rise in the corporate world, and those seeking to be successful in their firlds.
To appreciate why Sun Tzu's Art Of War book is so important to all of us, we got to know...
Who is Sun Tzu?
Sun Tzu translates to Master Sun, and his actual name is Sun Wu. Historical records do not provide specific dates for his birth or death.
Historians have determined that Sun Tzu lived in ancient China around 544 BCE. He was born in the state of Qi, which is now known as Shandong Province, China.
Coming from a noble military family, Sun Tzu acquired direct knowledge from his relatives, leading to his proficiency in military matters.
At that time, the state of Qi was a significant region in ancient China, renowned for its rich military history and legacy.
Sun Tzu lived during a period characterized by frequent wars among various states in ancient China, giving him extensive experience in military strategies.
His background enabled him to study and master the Art of War, establishing him as a skilled military scholar at a young age.
When political turmoil arose in the state of Qi, Sun Tzu had to relocate for his safety.
He moved to the State of Wu, where he eventually became a general and military advisor to King Helǔ of Wu State.
Understanding Sun Tzu Character
If you want to be a mastewr strategist like Sun Tzu you got to understand his thoughts on his Art of War.
1. Sun Tzu is very prudent
Sun Tzu is an exceptionally prudent strategist when it comes to the art of warfare.
He believe, if you would make any decision in battle, it must be 100% win. There is no try or "do your best".
Fight only when victory is certain. His approach focuses on ensuring any battle decision is about winning.
Every decision Sun Tzu makes is a calculated and deliberate process that involves careful consideration of every possible outcome and scenario.
In his strategic planning, Sun Tzu meticulously prepares and devises his strategies to ensure that victory is not just a possibility but a certainty.
He does not leave anything to chance; every risk involved must be thoroughly calculated and assessed. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that he is always several steps ahead of his enemies.
In Sun Tzu's The Art of War, he stated:,
He wins his battles by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, which means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.
While most commanders might hastily charge into battle, compelled by the urgency of conflict, Sun Tzu would have finished his preparation, planning, and strategizing well in advance of the first strike.
His philosophy dictates that one should not engage in battle until victory is assured, thereby minimizing unnecessary losses and maximizing the chances of success.
Sun Tzu's quote encapsulates his approach effectively:
In war, the victorious strategist wins first and then seeks battle after the victory is won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and later looks for victory.
2. Sun Tzu is cost conscious
Sun Tzu advises his reader of his book, that all warfare must be executed swiftly and decisively, as the costs associated with prolonged battle can be very costly.
The financial, human, and material resources required for war are very high.
Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of minimizing these expenditures wherever possible.
In his book he explains that the objective is to achieve victory in war efficiently; if a conflict drags on for too long, the army's weapons may become dulled, and the soldiers' morale might decline.
This is what Sun Tzu said in his book,
The objective is to be victorious in war; if it is a prolonged war, the army's weapons will be dulled and the army's determination to fight will be dampened. The State's resources will not last the strain.
Those who do not understand the damages of war cannot thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.
3. Sun Tzu is profit conscious
It is often said that "Business is war," and Sun Tzu approaches the concept of war with a keen eye for profitability.
He maintains that conflict should only be engaged in if there is something substantial to gain. Wasting resources in a pointless effort is not in line with his strategic principles.
Sun Tzu argues that the motivation to defeat an enemy should not stem from mere rage or vengeance; rather, it should be rooted in the desire to capitalize on the advantages that come from victory.
This perspective allows for a more calculated approach to warfare, where the ultimate goal is to gain wealth and power, rather than to engage in violence for its own sake.
As Sun Tzu said in his book,
To kill the enemy is because of a burst of rage, but to take advantage of defeating the enemy is to gain over their wealth.
In modern times some will say "Business is war".
As for Sun Tzu, he perceives "War as a business," where the focus is on strategic gains rather than on the glorification of combat.
5. Sun Tzu placed importance in politics, diplomacy and strategic considerations
Sun Tzu places great importance on the art of diplomacy, politics, negotiations, and strategic considerations.
Sun Tzu recognized that gaining an advantage over the enemy, one does not need to waste one's resources by using of brute force.
As he eloquently stated,
What is supreme excellence is to balk the enemy's plans; the next best is to disrupt the enemy's alliances by diplomacy, and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities.
This quote by Sun Tzu embodies the fundamental principle of the Art of War, focusing on strategic evaluation of options to achieve victory.
Sun Tzu then continued to state,
The skillful general subdues the enemy's troops without fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; and he overthrows their kingdom without prolonged operations in the field.
With his forces intact, he will fight the Empire's mastery, and thus, without losing a man, his triumph will be complete. This is the method of attacking by stratagem.
Sun Tzu achieve his victory against the enemy without the need for direct confrontation. This is Sun Tzu's Art Of War. Hie way of defeating the enemy.
Sun Tzu's philosophy of his "Art Of War"
In Sun Tzu's comprehensive Art of War philosophy, he said battles should be won through meticulous strategy rather than relying solely on sheer size and strength.
The Art of War emphasizes the importance of intelligence, foresight, and strategic planning in achieving victory.
In The Art of War, Sun Tzu explained his principle. He said
Hence, to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
What can we learn about Sun Tzu's Art Of War?
Sun Tzu advocates for a strategic approach prioritizing clever tactics and psychological warfare over head on battle.
His teachings emphasize outmaneuvering and outthinking the opponent to achieve victory without bloodshed.
Sun Tzu's philosophy emphasise the importance of understanding the art of war, human psychology, strategy, preparation, and prudence in achieving goals.
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