Sun Tzu was an ancient Chinese military strategist and philosopher, best known for his work “The Art of War,” a treatise on military strategy and tactics. He served as a military general and strategist for the state of Wu during the Spring and Autumn period.
Sun Tzu’s philosophy extends beyond the battlefield, offering insights into leadership, strategy, and decision-making applicable to various fields, including business, politics, and personal development. The Art of War” is Sun Tzu’s most famous work, consisting of 13 chapters, each focusing on different aspects of warfare, including strategy, tactics, and leadership.
Here are 25 Best Quotes of Sun Tzu
- The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
- “It is easy to love your friend, but sometimes the hardest lesson to learn is to love your enemy.”
- “Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.”
- “When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.”
- “No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.”
- “The worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation.”
- “One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all.”
- “Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”
- “Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.”
- If there is disturbance in the camp, the general’s authority is weak.”
- “The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.”
- Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.”
- “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.”
- “When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.”
- “Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.”
- “Convince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm.”
- “If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are.”
- “Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
- There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.”
- “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.”
- “So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
- “Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.”
- “Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.”
- “When some are seen advancing and some retreating, it is a lure.”
- “Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.”
Conclusion
These Sun Tzu quotes provide timeless principles and strategies for achieving victory in warfare, emphasizing the importance of careful planning, flexibility, and understanding the enemy. By understanding these principles, we can navigate conflicts more effectively, whether in personal relationships or professional settings.
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