Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best Sun Tzu Quotes. Let’s look at these pieces of wisdom. We definitely have something to learn from them!
1
Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.
2
He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.
3
Balk the enemy’s power; force him to reveal himself.
4
He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious.
5
The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.
6
The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.
7
Secret operations are essential in war; upon them the army relies to make its every move.
8
If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles.
9
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.
10
The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.
11
Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.
12
Of all those in the army close to the commander none is more intimate than the secret agent; of all rewards none more liberal than those given to secret agents; of all matters none is more confidential than those relating to secret operations.
13
Victory usually goes to the army who has better trained officers and men.
14
Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.
15
Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.
16
If your opponent is of choleric temper, irritate him.
17
The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
18
Quickness is the essence of the war.
19
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
20
Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.
21
Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent’s fate.
22
All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
23
In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy’s country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good.
24
When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.
25
There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.
