 Sun Tzu ( / ˈsuːnˈdzuː / ; also rendered as Sun Zi ) was a Chinese general , military strategist , and philosopher who lived in the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China . Sun Tzu is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War , a widely influential work of military strategy that has affected both Western and Eastern philosophy . Aside from his legacy as the author of The Art of War , Sun Tzu is revered in Chinese and Asian culture as a legendary historical figure . His birth name was Sun Wu , and he was known outside of his family by his courtesy name Changqing . The name Sun Tzu by which he is best known in the West is an honorific which means " Master Sun " . 
