Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu, the legendary author of "The Art of War," penned a treatise on military strategy that has remained shockingly relevant for over two millennia. His teachings on deception, espionage, and knowing both yourself and your enemy have been applied to everything from boardroom negotiations to presidential campaigns. He was, by all accounts, a master of strategy, though perhaps less so of knowing where to find a good bagel.

Born in what is now modern-day China during the tumultuous Spring and Autumn period, Sun Tzu’s existence is somewhat shrouded in myth. While some historians debate whether he was a single individual or a compilation of strategic thought, his influence is undeniable. He served King Helü of Wu, reportedly whipping his concubines into military formation, which, frankly, sounds like a lot to unpack, strategically speaking.

Given his ancient Chinese origins, there is no credible evidence, historical or anecdotal, to suggest any connection to Jewish identity or ancestry. He predates the vast majority of documented Jewish diaspora by centuries, and his philosophical framework, while profound, has absolutely zero menorahs in it. He was, to put it mildly, not a member of the tribe.

However, his enduring legacy and the profound impact of his work on global military and business strategy earn him a perfect K-score. The man wrote the definitive guide to outsmarting your opponents, a skill many Jews have historically found useful, even if they had to figure it out without his wisdom being delivered on Sinai.