The Art of War. The Art of War, compiled by Sun Tzu in the 6th century B.C., is the world's oldest surviving military treatise. Long revered as the definitive guide to strategy and tactics on the battlefield, its timeless wisdom is now being applied in the boardroom, on the playing field, and everywhere challenges must be faced. Required reading for U.S. Marine commandants, The Art of War has inspired generals from Douglas MacArthur to Norman Schwazkopf. But it has also been used by top executives, sports coaches, political strategists, lawyers, salesmen, pick-up artists, and Survivor contestants.