Looking for powerful quotes from one of the most influential books “The Art of War”? We have rounded up the best collection of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War quotes, sayings, and words (with images and pictures) about strategy, planning, and tactics to be a winner.
The Art of War is an 2500 year old this classic work attributed to the ancient Chinese general Sun Tzu (Master Sun).
The Art of War has remained relevant over the years because it is about strategy and tactics rather than specific warfare technology.
Also See: Sun Tzu Quotes
The Art of War has been applied to many fields outside of the military like sports, legal strategy, and business. It teaches us about discipline, strategy, patience, and calm.
These deep quotes are some of the greatest advice and are a masterpiece with insightful sayings that will help you win and taste victory.
Also, read our post on Easter Philosophy quotes and self motivational quotes for daily positive reminders to start your day!
Powerful The Art Of War Quotes
- “All warfare is based on deception.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“The wise warrior avoids the battle.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Every battle is won before it is fought.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.”– Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“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.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Best The Art Of War Quotes by Sun Tzu
The Art of War is a strategic masterwork that’s been used by countless military strategists since its first publication.
These wise and thoughtful quotes are timeless and applicable to various aspects of life.
- “One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“The expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“It is more important to outhink your enemy, than to outfight him.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy’s purpose.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of the trigger.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Knowing the place and the time of the coming battle, we may concentrate from the greatest distances in order to fight.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Famous Quotes From The Art Of War
It also presents a philosophy of war for managing conflicts and winning battles. Much of the text is about how to outsmart one’s opponent without actually having to engage in physical battle at the right time.
It has influenced leaders all over the world, not only in warfare but in many areas of life, including business and leadership roles.
- “If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“In war, practice dissimulation, and you will succeed.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“In raiding and plundering be like fire, in immovability like a mountain.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Let your rapidity be that of the wind, your compactness that of the forest.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“It is easy to love your friend, but sometimes the hardest lesson to learn is to love your enemy.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“The skillful soldier does not raise a second levy, neither are his supply-wagons loaded more than twice.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Forestall your opponent by seizing what he holds dear, and subtly contrive to time his arrival on the ground.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Walk in the path defined by rule, and accommodate yourself to the enemy until you can fight a decisive battle.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“It is the unemotional, reserved, calm, detached warrior who wins, not the hothead seeking vengeance and not the ambitious seeker of fortune.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“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, The Art of War
Top The Art Of War Quotes On Leadership & Strategy
- “A leader leads by example not by force.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Maneuvering with an army is advantageous; with an undisciplined multitude, most dangerous.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“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, The Art of War
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“The experienced soldier, once in motion, is never bewildered; once he has broken camp, he is never at a loss.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven-born captain.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“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, The Art of War
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“What enables the wise sovereign and the good general to strike and conquer, and achieve things beyond the reach of ordinary men, is foreknowledge.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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“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, The Art of War
Summary of The Art Of War – Book By Sun Tzu
The book has 13 chapters, each assigned to a particular aspect of war and strategy. Each one is devoted to a different set of skills or art related to warfare and how it applies to military strategy and tactics.
The main premise of The Art of War is that war should be avoided with diplomacy. If it cannot be avoided, it should be fought strategically and psychologically to minimize damage and the wasting of resources.
Although he writes in short, succinct sentences, the brevity of his words always contains a depth of meaning.
Consequently, The Art of War has had a significant impact on both Eastern and Western military thinking, which continues to this day.
Over the years the book has become a staple for war-time strategists with notable figures reading it such as Napoleon Bonaparte and Joseph Stalin.
The book lays emphasis on;
- Know when to fight and when not to fight: avoid what is strong and strike at what is weak.
- Know how to deceive the enemy: appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses: if you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
Which of these thought-provoking quotes by Sun Tzu resonated with you best? Do you have any other inspirational quotes to add? Tell us in the comment section below.
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