Inspirational Quotes & Positive Life Messages

The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Selected Quotes

Selected Quotes from The Art of War by the military strategist Sun Tzu. The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise dating from the 5th century BC. The book is still an influential treatise on military doctrine in East Asia (particularly China). It has also had an influence on Western military thinking and legal strategy.
  • Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.

    ~ Sun Tzu
  • There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.

    ~ Sun Tzu
  • The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

    ~ Sun Tzu
  • If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. 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
  • Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.

    ~ Sun Tzu
  • All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

    ~ Sun Tzu
  • To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.

    ~ Sun Tzu
  • Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.

    ~ Sun Tzu
  • Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain.

    ~ Sun Tzu
  • When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.

    ~ Sun Tzu