Sun Tzu, also known as Sun Wu, was an ancient Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher. He is most famous for his book, 'The Art of War,' which is a book on warfare strategies and tactics. Sun Tzu was born in the late Spring and Autumn Period of China, and his actual birthplace is not specific; some historians state that he was born in the state of Qi, while others have said that he was born in Wu. Although the details of his childhood and early life are not well documented, it is generally agreed that Sun Tzu's ideas on warfare are timeless.

Sun Tzu's military career started with King Helü of Wu, and Sun Tzu showed his strategic skills. Perhaps the most famous story about him is how he transformed the king's harem of concubines into a disciplined army, which shows his talent for subordination and obedience. This event made King Helü understand the capabilities of Sun Tzu, and he made him a general. Thus, under the leadership of Sun Tzu, the state of Wu won several important battles, and Sun Tzu became a famous strategist.

The book is divided into thirteen chapters and outlines different aspects of war, including preparations, strategies, and even the employment of spies. Sun Tzu's theory on war and tactics stressed flexibility, deception, and planning to ensure victory. His approach was more of the thinking man's war, where he believed that the most effective way to win a war was not necessarily through fighting. This was quite innovative at a time when force was considered to be the key to winning a battle.

Even though there is little information on the life of Sun Tzu, his contribution was not limited to military strategies. They have been used in business, politics, and sports, among other areas. The Art of War has been translated into many languages and is still considered a fundamental work for military academies. Leaders and strategists are still analyzing his theories and strategies to learn more about conflict resolution and strategic planning.

Sun Tzu's work has influenced many leaders throughout history. For example, Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China, attributed his victory in the Chinese Civil War to applying Sun Tzu's strategies. Likewise, military strategists such as Napoleon Bonaparte and General Douglas MacArthur have also recognized the application of Sun Tzu's work in their military strategy. This continued applicability only proves that the lessons in "The Art of War" are as valid today as they were in ancient times.

Consequently, it is possible to conclude that Sun Tzu's concepts and ideas introduced in his work are still relevant and helpful for military strategies and philosophies of both the past and the present. His focus on strategic thinking, psychological operations, and resource management remains relevant in the contemporary world and among leaders and strategists across different fields. Nonetheless, it is hard to know much about his life, but what cannot be disputed is that Sun Tzu was a great military strategist.