[cromulent]

I'm intrigued about the Sun Tzu history - could you expand a bit more?

[dredmorbius]

The doctrine is scattered throughout the work, and much of the expansion is in commentary, ancient & modern

But: "All warfare is based on deception."

https://suntzusaid.com/book/1/18

(And following, as below.)

Also on the use of spies.

More:

https://suntzusaid.com/book/11/36

https://suntzusaid.com/book/11/37