This text explores the authorship and historical accuracy of *The Art of War*, attributed to Sun Tzu. It examines conflicting historical accounts of Sun Tzu's life and military career, particularly the discrepancies between Ssu-ma Ch‘ien's *Shih Chi* and the *Tso Chuan*. The text also analyzes the work's internal evidence, literary style, and the vast body of commentaries it generated over centuries, ultimately arguing for its authenticity and probable 5th-century BC origins. The discussion includes detailed analysis of specific passages, exploring their military and strategic implications. Finally, the text extensively examines the crucial role of espionage in warfare, as detailed in *The Art of War*.

Sources:

The Art of War: Archive