50 Top Quotes From The Art of War
"The Art of War" by Sun Tzu is a classic treatise on strategy and warfare that transcends its original military context, becoming a timeless guide to navigating various aspects of life and competition. Written over two millennia ago, this influential book presents profound insights into the nature of conflict, leadership, and strategic thinking. Sun Tzu's teachings emphasize the importance of understanding oneself, one's adversaries, and the terrain of the battleground, whether literal or metaphorical.
Through a series of concise and profound aphorisms, he elucidates the principles of deception, flexibility, and the art of winning without engaging in direct confrontation. "The Art of War" has become a staple for military strategists, business leaders, and individuals seeking to understand the dynamics of competition and achieve success by leveraging intelligence and insight. Beyond its strategic applications, the book offers a profound exploration of human psychology and the factors that contribute to victory and defeat in any endeavor. (The Art of War Summary)
The Art of War Quotes
[Favorite Quote]: “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” (Meaning)
2. “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity”
3. “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.”
4. “Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”
5. “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”
6. “Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
7. "He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight."
8. “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.”
9. “Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.”
10. “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win”
11. “When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.”
12. “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."
13. “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.”
14. “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.”
15. “who wishes to fight must first count the cost”
16. “There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.”
17. "The expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.”
18. "He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks."
19. “Great results, can be achieved with small forces.”
20. “What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.”
21. “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 attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless.”
22. “Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.”
23. “It is easy to love your friend, but sometimes the hardest lesson to learn is to love your enemy.”
24. “Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; "
25. “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.”
26. “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.”
27. “Plan for what it is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.”
28. “Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained"
29. “The worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation”
30. “If his forces are united, separate them.”
31. “if you fight with all your might, there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner”
32. “Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.”
33. “Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; "
34. “Disorder came from order, fear came from courage, weakness came from strength.”
35. "The wise man delights in establishing his merit, the brave man likes to show his courage in action, the covetous man is quick at seizing advantages, and the stupid man has no fear of death.”
36. “Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.”
37. “He who relies solely on warlike measures shall be exterminated; he who relies solely on peaceful measures shall perish.”
38. “The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.”
39. “A leader leads by example not by force.”
40. “who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits”
41. “Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.”
42. “He who advances without seeking fame, Who retreats without escaping blame, He whose one aim is to protect his people and serve his lord, The man is a jewel of the Realm”
43. “There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.”
44. "Just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.”
45. “Excessive rewards are a sign of desperation. Excessive punishments are a sign of exhaustion.”
46. “You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.”
47. “He who only sees the obvious, wins his battles with difficulty; he who looks below the surface of things, wins with ease"
48. “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."
49. “We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors”
50. “It is the unemotional, reserved, calm, detached warrior who wins, not the hothead seeking vengeance and not the ambitious seeker of fortune.”
― Quotes from the book The Art of War by Sun Tzu
The Art of War Author
Sun Tzu, an ancient Chinese military strategist and philosopher, is best known for his timeless treatise "The Art of War." Written over two millennia ago, this seminal work offers profound insights into military tactics and strategy, applicable not only to warfare but also to various aspects of modern life, such as business, politics, and personal development. Sun Tzu's strategic principles center on the importance of thorough planning, adaptation to circumstances, and understanding both the enemy and oneself. He highlights the significance of avoiding unnecessary conflicts and employing clever tactics to win without engaging in protracted battles. "The Art of War" serves as a guide to achieving success by outsmarting opponents, embracing flexibility, and maintaining a deep awareness of the ever-changing dynamics of the world. Beyond its military applications, Sun Tzu's teachings have become a source of inspiration for individuals seeking to gain a competitive edge, make wise decisions, and master the complexities of conflict resolution in all aspects of life.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
