
Sun Tzu is generally believed to have lived in the Spring and Autumn period of China (722–481 BC). An ancient Chinese military general, strategist and philosopher, he is credited to have authored The Art of War, the influential book on military strategy. It presents a philosophy of war for managing conflicts and winning battles and is accepted as a masterpiece on strategy. Sun Tzu viewed the ideal general as an enlightened Taoist master, which is why The Art of War is considered a prime example of Taoist strategy. However, even outside of historical and spiritual context, the book has been widely read throughout the world, and various Asian, European and even American generals have credited victories to its teachings. The Art of War is listed on the Marine Corps Professional Reading Program. During the Persian Gulf War in the 1990s, both General Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr. and General Colin Powell practiced Sun Tzu's principles of deception, speed, and attacking the enemy's weakness.