Sun Tzu art of War

Here are some quotes from Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”:

Strategy and Warfare

1. “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
2. “All warfare is based on deception.”
3. “Know yourself, know your enemy, and know the terrain; then you can win a hundred battles.”
4. “The victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won.”

Leadership and Tactics

1. “The skillful leader subdues the enemy’s troops without any fighting.”
2. “Avoid strength, attack weakness.”
3. “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war.”
4. “The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.”

Wisdom and Adaptability

1. “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.”
2. “As water adapts itself to the shape of its container, so should a commander adapt himself to the situation.”
3. “The art of war is of vital importance to the State.”
4. “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”

Deception and Misdirection

1. “All deception in war is based on the truth.”
2. “When able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive.”
3. “When you are near the enemy, make him believe you are far away.”
4. “Make a noise in the east, then strike in the west.”

Victory and Defeat

1. “To win without fighting is best.”
2. “There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare.”
3. “The victorious army is victorious first and then does battle.”
4. “He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious.”

1. “Spies are the most important agents for obtaining vital information.”
2. “In war, numbers alone confer no advantage.”
3. “The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy’s will to be imposed on him.