133 Quotes & Sayings By Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu, the author of The Art of War, wrote over 2,000 years ago. Many consider him to be the greatest military strategist ever. His insights into the art of war are still relevant today.

Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you...
1
Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak. Sun Tzu
2
There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combinationthey produce more hues than can ever been seen. There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations ofthem yield more flavours than can ever be tasted. Sun Tzu
The wise warrior avoids the battle.
3
The wise warrior avoids the battle. Sun Tzu
Even the finest sword plunged into salt water will eventually...
4
Even the finest sword plunged into salt water will eventually rust. Sun Tzu
Foreknowledge cannot be gotten from ghosts and spirits, cannot be...
5
Foreknowledge cannot be gotten from ghosts and spirits, cannot be had by analogy, cannot be found out by calculation. It must be obtained from people, people who know the conditions of the enemy. Sun Tzu
One hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the...
6
One hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the most skillful, subduing the other's military without battle is the most skillful. Sun Tzu
Supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
7
Supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting. Sun Tzu
You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if...
8
You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked. Sun Tzu
9
Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment – that which they cannot anticipate. Sun Tzu
The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy...
10
The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. Sun Tzu
Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and...
11
Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt. Sun Tzu
12
All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. Sun Tzu
13
If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected . Sun Tzu
To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.
14
To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy. Sun Tzu
There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged...
15
There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare. Sun Tzu
Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood....
16
Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain. Sun Tzu
The art of war is of vital importance to the...
17
The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected. Sun Tzu
When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do...
18
When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard. Sun Tzu
To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is...
19
To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill. Sun Tzu
Who wishes to fight must first count the cost
20
Who wishes to fight must first count the cost Sun Tzu
One mark of a great soldier is that he fight...
21
One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all. Sun Tzu
Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or...
22
Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots. Sun Tzu
When one treats people with benevolence, justice, and righteoousness, and...
23
When one treats people with benevolence, justice, and righteoousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders'. Sun Tzu
24
There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed. Sun Tzu
Great results, can be achieved with small forces.
25
Great results, can be achieved with small forces. Sun Tzu
The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that...
26
The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent. Sun Tzu
If your opponent is of choleric temper,   seek to...
27
If your opponent is of choleric temper,   seek to irritate him.  Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. Sun Tzu
He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the...
28
He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared. Sun Tzu
Be where your enemy is not.
29
Be where your enemy is not. Sun Tzu
Bravery without forethought, causes a man to fight blindly and...
30
Bravery without forethought, causes a man to fight blindly and desperately like a mad bull.  Such an opponent, must not be encountered with brute force, but may be lured into an ambush and slain. Sun Tzu
When we are near, we must make the enemy believe...
31
When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away... Sun Tzu
Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible;...
32
Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible; and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands. Sun Tzu
If those who are sent to draw water begin by...
33
If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst. [One may know the condition of a whole army from the behavior of a single man.] Sun Tzu
Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in...
34
Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions. Sun Tzu
Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming...
35
Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted. Sun Tzu
Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking, a superabundance...
36
Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking, a superabundance of strength. Sun Tzu
The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the...
37
The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. Sun Tzu
Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not...
38
Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home. Sun Tzu
It is the rule in war, if our forces are...
39
It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two. Sun Tzu
40
For should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left. If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak. Sun Tzu
41
If we wish to fight, the enemy can be forced to an engagement even though he be sheltered behind a high rampart and a deep ditch. All we need do is attack some other place that he will be obliged to relieve. Sun Tzu
When you start a fire, be to windward of it....
42
When you start a fire, be to windward of it. Do not attack from the leeward. Sun Tzu
War is like a fire - if you do not...
43
War is like a fire - if you do not put it out, it will burn itself out. Sun Tzu
44
If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive;and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attachedto you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless. Sun Tzu
45
Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death. Sun Tzu
46
Understand both yourself and your enemy, and you shall always emerge victorious Sun Tzu
47
In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity Sun Tzu
48
Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day. Sun Tzu
49
If you do not take opportunity   to   advance and reward   the   deserving,    your subordinates will not carry out your commands, and disaster will ensue. Sun Tzu
50
Mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy Sun Tzu
51
If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak. Sun Tzu
52
When your army has crossed the border, you should burn your boats and bridges, in order to make it clear to everybody that you have no hankering after home. Sun Tzu
53
If there is disturbance in the camp, the general's authority is weak.  Sun Tzu
54
The worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation Sun Tzu
55
You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended. Sun Tzu
56
When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy. Sun Tzu
57
Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose. Sun Tzu
58
If you fight with all your might,   there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner Sun Tzu
59
You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked. Sun Tzu
60
We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors. Sun Tzu
61
Whether in an advantageous position or a disadvantageous one, the opposite state should be always present to your mind. Sun Tzu
62
There are not more than five primary colors  (blue, yellow,   red, white, and black), yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen. Sun Tzu
63
When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is INSUBORDINATION. Sun Tzu
64
When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is COLLAPSE. Sun Tzu
65
The principle on which to manage an army is to set up one standard of courage which all must reach. Sun Tzu
66
We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country -- its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. Sun Tzu
67
Danger has a bracing effect. Sun Tzu
68
First lay plans which will ensure victory, and then lead your army to battle;  if you will not begin with stratagem but rely on brute strength alone, victory will no longer be assured Sun Tzu
69
If we wish to wrest an advantage from the enemy, we must not fix our minds on that alone, but allow for the possibility of the enemy also doing some harm to us, and let this enter as a factor into our calculations. Sun Tzu
70
To begin by bluster, but afterwards to take fright at the enemy's numbers, shows a supreme lack of intelligence. Sun Tzu
71
Be stern in the council-chamber, [Show no weakness, and insist on your plans being ratified by the sovereign.] so that you may control the situation. Sun Tzu
72
At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden,   until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you. Sun Tzu
73
Ground on which we can only be saved from destruction by fighting without delay, is desperate ground. Sun Tzu
74
When an invading force crosses a river in its onward march, do not advance to meet it in mid-stream.  It will be best to let half the army get across, and then deliver your attack. Sun Tzu
75
Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected. Sun Tzu
76
Knowing the enemy enables you to take the offensive,  knowing yourself enables you to stand on the defensive. Sun Tzu
77
If his forces are united, separate them. Sun Tzu
78
Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits Sun Tzu
79
Do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat Sun Tzu
80
Conceal your dispositions, and your condition will remain secret, which leads to victory;  show your dispositions, and your condition will become patent, which leads to defeat. Sun Tzu
81
The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. Sun Tzu
82
These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand. Sun Tzu
83
So long as victory can be attained,   stupid haste is preferable to clever dilatoriness. Sun Tzu
84
A clever general, therefore, avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. Sun Tzu
85
Know the enemy, know yourself and victory is never in doubt, not in a hundred battles. Sun Tzu
86
If quick, I survive. If not quick, I am lost. This is "death. Sun Tzu
87
There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general:(1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction;(2) cowardice, which leads to capture;(3) a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults;(4) a delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame;(5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble. Sun Tzu
88
Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him. Sun Tzu
89
If equally matched, we can offer battle; if slightly inferior in numbers, we can avoid the enemy; if quite unequal in every way, we can flee from him. Though an obstinate fight may be made by a small force, in the end it must be captured by the larger force. Sun Tzu
90
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle. Sun Tzu
91
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win Sun Tzu
92
The art of war is the art of deception. Sun Tzu
93
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him. Sun Tzu
94
If, on the other hand, in the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune. Sun Tzu
95
There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must be not attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed. Sun Tzu
96
The rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming. Sun Tzu
97
5, 6. The Moral Law causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger. Sun Tzu
98
It is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them. Sun Tzu
99
If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. Sun Tzu
100
If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. Sun Tzu