Best The Art Of War Quotes By Sun Tzu

I hope that you will enjoy this collection of the best The Art of War Quotes.

Legend has it that Sun Tzu was a Chinese military leader in an era known as the Spring and Autumn Period. This was a time of great turmoil in China, as many states fought for power and control of the country’s many territories. Under this time Sun Tzu’s skills as a warrior and a military strategist were much in demand.

Sun Tzu captured his theories about war in a book called the Art of War. This small book has became one of the most popular books on conflict strategy in the world and the quotes from it are very often shared.

The lessons and quotes from The Art of War can be applied to most conflicts that you might be going through. Spanning topics such as philosophy, wisdom, strategy and leadership, the timeless wisdom contained in this book can be useful everywhere from the boardroom to the sports field.

The Art of War has also been used by many as a guide on how to deal with conflicts in their lives.

 

1. “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.” – Sun Tzu

 

2. “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.” – Sun Tzu

 

3. “Quickness is the essence of the war.” – Sun Tzu

 

4. “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

 

5. “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.” – Sun Tzu

 

 

6. “Even the finest sword plunged into salt water will eventually rust.” – Sun Tzu

 

7. “There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.” – Sun Tzu

 

8. “One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all.” – Sun Tzu

 

9. “Every battle is won before it is fought.” – Sun Tzu

 

 

10 of 40: The Art of War Quotes

“Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.” – Sun Tzu

 

11. “Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.” – Sun Tzu

 

12. “The victorious army is victorious first and seeks battle later; the defeated army seeks battle first and seeks victory later.” – Sun Tzu

 

13. “What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.” – Sun Tzu

 

14. “Great results can be achieved with small forces.” – Sun Tzu

 

 

15. “Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.” – Sun Tzu

 

16. “The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.” – Sun Tzu

 

17. “Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.” – Sun Tzu

 

18. “Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.” – Sun Tzu

 

19. “The wise warrior avoids the battle.” – Sun Tzu

 

 

20 of 40 Sun Tzu Art of War Quotes

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” – Sun Tzu

 

21. “When one treats people with benevolence, justice, and righteousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders.” – Sun Tzu

 

22. “It is more important to out-think your enemy than to outfight him.” – Sun Tzu

 

23. “It is easy to love your friend, but sometimes the hardest lesson to learn is to love your enemy.” – Sun Tzu

 

24. “Who wishes to fight must first count the cost.” – Sun Tzu

 

25. “Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.” – Sun Tzu

 

 

26. “Convince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm.” – Sun Tzu

 

27. “Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems.” – Sun Tzu

 

 

28. “The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.” – Sun Tzu

 

29. “Know the enemy, know yourself and victory is never in doubt, not in a hundred battles.”  – Sun Tzu

 

30 of 40 Art of War Quotes

“A leader leads by example, not by force.” – Sun Tzu

 

 

31. “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” – Sun Tzu

 

32. “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

 

33. “To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.” – Sun Tzu

 

34. “Never venture, never win!” – Sun Tzu

 

35. “In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack–the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of maneuvers.” – Sun Tzu

 

36. “Plan for what it is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.” – Sun Tzu

 

37. “Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.” – Sun Tzu

 

38. “The worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation.” – Sun Tzu

 

39. “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

 

40. “Thus we may know that there are five essentials for victory: (1) He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight; (2) he will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces; (3) he will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks; (4) he will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared; (5) he will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.” – Sun Tzu

 

I hope that you enjoyed this powerful collection of Art of War Quotes.

 

The Art of War by Sun Tzu is a timeless classic that continues to be relevant today. Its lessons on strategy and leadership have been studied by military leaders, business executives, and individuals seeking to improve their decision-making skills.

The quotes from The Art of War provide valuable insights into the importance of adapting to changing circumstances, understanding your opponent, and having a clear plan of action to achieve your goals.

 

“The Art of War” by Sun Tzu is a timeless masterpiece that transcends its origins in ancient Chinese military strategy to become a profound guide applicable to various aspects of life and business.

Written around 500 BC, this classic book offers invaluable insights into the principles of warfare, leadership, and strategic thinking.

At its core, “The Art of War” emphasizes the importance of careful planning, astute decision-making, and understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Sun Tzu emphasizes that victory in any conflict lies not in brute force but in mastering the art of deception, maneuvering, and adaptability.

The book is comprised of thirteen chapters, each exploring different aspects of strategy and tactics. Key themes include the importance of knowing oneself and one’s enemy, the significance of terrain and timing, the role of intelligence gathering, and the need for flexibility in the face of ever-changing circumstances.

Sun Tzu stresses the value of avoiding direct confrontation when possible, instead promoting the notion of winning without fighting. He encourages commanders to outwit their adversaries through deception, using the element of surprise to disrupt enemy plans and exploit their weaknesses.

By capitalizing on opportunities and understanding the enemy’s psychology, victory can be achieved with minimal casualties.

Throughout the book, Sun Tzu also emphasizes the significance of leadership and the close bond between a commander and his troops. A wise leader inspires loyalty and fosters discipline, resulting in a cohesive and formidable force. He underlines the importance of morale and unity in securing triumph on the battlefield.

While the book was originally intended for military leaders, “The Art of War” has found widespread application in the fields of business, politics, and interpersonal relationships.

Its teachings on strategic thinking, adaptability, and understanding the dynamics of conflict have become essential tools for achieving success in almost any competitive endeavor.

In summary, “The Art of War” remains a fundamental and influential book that continues to resonate with readers across centuries and cultures.

Its enduring wisdom offers profound insights into the nature of conflict and human behavior, making it a must-read for both military enthusiasts and anyone seeking to attain excellence in their endeavors.