The Art of War Quotes

The Art of War is a book of military strategies and ideas traditionally credited to Sun Tzu, a warrior officer who lived in the 6th century BC.

Thirteen chapters are the work credited to former Chinese military leader Master Sun Tzu. Everyone is dedicated to a warfare dimension and how it relates to military tactics and policy. In East Asian Warfare, Art of war quotes is now a leading strategic text and impact tactical strategy and business tactics, legislation, attitudes, and beyond in both Eastern and Western countries.

The book presented descriptions of the Chinese military’s description and study, ranging from weaponry and strategy to class and discipline. The value of information and spy on warfare was also underlined by the Sun. Since Sun long has been considered one of the best military tacticians and observers of history, his instruction and tactics for many centuries have formed the basis of advanced military preparation.

Art of war quotes has influenced many fields outside the military. Most of the text is about winning the war without a battle: it offers advice on how to outsmart the advertiser, and it doesn’t involve actual combat. Despite that, it has extended to other sporting practices that are not fighting successfully as a teaching guide.

The Art of War has been described as the origin of Zhang Yingyu’s Swindle Book (1617), which is based on the late Ming Dynasty in the earliest known compilation of Chinese fraud stories (mainly in the commercial field).

Art of war quotes, including negotiating techniques and preparation for courts, has been the subject of law books and scholarly papers about the case.

For over 1,000 years, Asian kings and historians have studied the art of war quotes on the grounds of their military strategies and imperial conquests. For one, the Japanese samurai studied it carefully. It entered the western world only at the end of the 18th century when the book was translated into French by a Jesuit missionary. (Historians said that Napoleon, the French emperor, was the first Western monarch to obey his teachings.)

Sports have also been the subject of the Art of war quotes. Bill Belichick, coach at the National Football League, record holder with the most Super Bowl ever won, has consistently praised The Skills with War. Art of war quotes has been widely used for the victorious 2002 World Cup campaign by football coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. Scolari put passages of The Art of War under the doors of his players at night during the tournaments.

Art of war quotes frequently referenced in the development of modern sporting techniques and/or approaches. One of the main books on e-sports, Play To Win, is, in fact, merely an analysis of potential adaptations of The Arts of War ideas to the new competition. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s graduate David Sirlin.

Art of war quotes introduces the fundamental values and gives guidance on what to strike and how to fight. The Art of War, Its 13 chapters provide precise battle tactics, for example, how commanders push troops around hostile terrain, and how different types of weapons can be used and treated – but they also provide a more general guide to wars and their resolution.

They also offer guidance. “He’ll win who knows when to war and who doesn’t have to fight;” ‘he’ll win who knows how to handle superior and inferior forces;’ “he’ll win which army is motivated by the same spirit in all its ranks” and “Victory usually falls from the army who has most qualified officers and men;” and “Know the opponent and recognize yourself; you can’t be at risk for hundred fights.”

Quotes on the Philosophy of War and Warriors

Before sharing Sun Tzu’s more practical knowledge regarding leadership and strategy, it is useful to look at how warfare and fighting can be seen as metaphors for our lives today. Some of Sun Tzu’s philosophical quotes can help us make such connections. 

1. “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

2. “All warfare is based on deception.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

3. “It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

4. “The skillful soldier does not raise a second levy, neither are his supply-wagons loaded more than twice.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

5. “To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

6. “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.”– Sun Tzu, The Art of War

7. “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 defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

8. “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

9. “Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

10. “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

11. “Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy’s purpose.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

12. “Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of the trigger.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

13. “Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

14. “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

15. “In war, practice dissimulation, and you will succeed.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

16. “If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

17. “We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

18. “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

19. “If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Quotes on War and Leadership

It is clear throughout The Art of War that victory is explicitly related to the strength of an army’s leader. Sun Tzu’s advice for generals and commanders applies to many kinds of leaders.

20. “The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

21. “The general who is skilled in defense hides in the most secret recesses of the earth; he who is skilled in attack flashes forth from the topmost heights of heaven.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

22. “The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

23. “Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

24. “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

25. “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

26. “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

27. “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

28. “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

29. “The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

30. “Maneuvering with an army is advantageous; with an undisciplined multitude, most dangerous.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

31. “We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country—its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

32. “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

33. “No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

34. “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

35. “When the general is weak and without authority; when his orders are not clear and distinct; when there are no fixed duties assigned to officers and men, and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner, the result is utter disorganization.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

36. “If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler’s bidding.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

37. “Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

38. “The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

39. “A leader leads by example not by force.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Quotes on War and Strategy

Just like Sun Tzu’s ideas about leadership, his strategic counsel can still be used in the 21st century. Whether you are creating a business strategy or devising steps to pursue a personal goal, these quotes from The Art of War may offer some valuable insights and guidance. 

40. “Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

41. “If equally matched, we can offer battle; if slightly inferior in numbers, we can avoid the enemy; if quite unequal in every way, we can flee from him.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

42. “Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterward looks for victory.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

43. “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.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

44. “The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

45. “You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

46. “O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible; and hence we can hold the enemy’s fate in our hands.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

47. “Numerical weakness comes from having to prepare against possible attacks; numerical strength, from compelling our adversary to make these preparations against us.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

48. “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

49. “In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

50. “Carefully compare the opposing army with your own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

51. “To take a long and circuitous route, after enticing the enemy out of the way, and though starting after him, to contrive to reach the goal before him, shows knowledge of the artifice of deviation.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

52. “Let your rapidity be that of the wind, your compactness that of the forest.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

53. “In raiding and plundering be like fire, in immovability like a mountain.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

54. “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

55. “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

56. “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

57. “At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterward, emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

58. “If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

59. “If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

60. “Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.” Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Sun Tzu The Art of War Quotes:

• “If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put a division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected .”

• “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”

Sun Tzu was born in the time of ancient China and lived in Eastern Zhou. He was a great philosopher, Chinese General, and Military Strategist. Sun Tzu was a renowned philosopher and the author of ‘THE ART OF WAR.’ The Art of War was a great work that affected both East Asia and Western philosophy as well as impacted military thinking. He was remembered by other names, Sun Wu and Chang Qing.

The teaching of Sun Tzu has been said to have made other leaders almost invincible. He has his advice to move ahead without ever depending on weapons to fight, fights.

Quotes from The Art of War:

Art of war quotes are profoundly inspiring and instructional. We are looking forward to something inspiring today with our list of Art of war quotes.

Art of war quote reminds us of the bravery that soldiers had to kill their foes. In the number of instances, those that were on the battlefront were seen as motivation. Others are used to remind us of the fight. Sun Tzu was one of the most influential warlords in the world. He still inspires many generations since his departure through his novel, The Art of War.

Sun Tzu quotes art of war:

• There is still hope amid the confusion

• The real warriors are the one who first wins the war and then go to the battlefield. While the defeated people first go to the battleground and try to win

• There is no cause of a country winning from a protracted war
• “It is an easy task to love your partner, but the most important and the hardest thing is to love your enemy.”

War of Art Quotes:

Art of war quotes remind us of the courage soldiers had to overcome. These terms were seen in the majority of situations as rewards for warlords. Some Art of war quotes are:

• To win a battle, firstly, you should know yourself.
• Leave one channel open as you surround a force. Should not push so hard upon a helpless opponent.
• If you are very far from your enemies, then you should show your enemies that you are very close to them.

Best Art Of War quotes:

Some best Art of war quotes are as follows:

• “The fighter and the artist abide by the same obligation code, which specifies that each day the fight has to be waged again.”
• The real warriors are the one who first wins the war and then go to the battlefield. While the defeated people first go to the battleground and try to win.”
• You should keep your friends close but your enemies closer.

The Art of War Quotes:

• The art of war is to defeat your enemies without fighting with them.

• Excellence is to break your enemies’ strength without fighting.

• If your mind is willing to do something, then your body will move forward without anything.

• The real fighters are those who win the war before the fight, and the defeated warriors are those

• Who goes to fight before winning the war.

• If you want to defeat your enemy, then you have to become an enemy for yourself.

• Could you imagine what I will do when I can do everything?

• The best sword will rust when putting in saltwater.

 

Sun Tzu the Art of War Quotes:

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.

“Supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.”

“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win”

“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity”

Quote:

” There is no cause of a country winning from a protracted war..”

Explanation:

Peace would be a priority for nations. Fighting will do only so much, but stability brings wealth.

Quote:

“ It’s easy to love your partner, but sometimes the hardest lesson to remember is to love your enemy.”

Explanation:

The greatest lesson and triumph is to overcome the toughest fate, which is to welcome the opponent when you want to do the last thing.

Quote:

“There are paths which must not be pursued, forces which must not be invaded, towns which must not be occupied, places which must not be contested, commands of the monarch which must not be obeyed..”

Explanation:

Anyone who succeeds knows how far they will go in other territories. Not everyone should be defeated or terrified. Learning the difference is where real success lies.

Quote:

” Rouse him, and know the meaning of his action or his inactivity. Force him to show himself so that he can figure out his weak spots.”

Explanation:

 Be sure you know the vulnerabilities and capabilities of the opponent before you hit with anything you do.

Art of war Quotes about Life

74. “Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”

“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.”

Art of War Quotes Leadership

1. “Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.”

2. “Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.”

3. “He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.”

4. “Even the finest sword plunged into salt water will eventually rust.”

5. “He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.”

6. “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”

7. “A leader leads by example, not by force.”

Art of war Quotes for Business

1. Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat
2. The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
3. “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”

Famous Art of War Quotes:

• “Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”
• “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
• “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.”

• Art of War Quotes PDF

• The Japanese art of war quotes

• the art of war quotes explained

1. CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES

“The one who understands when and where he has to fight will prevail “

Much like Sun Tzu states that military forces will attack only if they have a definite advantage, we will fight in real life. You won’t be able to specialize in anything if you spread your abilities through so many different fields. Not like you should be encouraged to get a career with specific qualifications, but you will wisely diversify your talents. In business, you must still pick wars by deciding between programs, priority renegotiation demands, or whether to question a counterpart. Art of war quotes is about how to choose the time and place to fight (if you ever have to).

Sun Tzu instructed in his The art of war quotes that his army when they should fight and when they shouldn’t fight. He wanted to clear that when there are 100 percent chances of advantage then we need to fight otherwise not. If we apply this line in our life then it means that we had to do that work that will give an advantage. We know that what we want to achieve but there is a choice in which field we should work and become successful.

Sun Tzu said that does not spread your army everywhere, which makes your military thin as this makes the strength of the army weak throughout. Implementing this is our life, if we divide our skills on every field then we will not be able to succeed even in one. But if we utilize all our skills in one area, then we will be successful in that field.

The teaching of Sun Tzu can be applied to personal life as well. The art of war quotes teaches us that if you have a bad habit and want to gain good habits, then you have to start with the one which is easy to apply. For example, if you’re going to diet, but you eat too oily food, junk food, fast food but you cannot avoid all these at the same time. First, you should avoid that food which is easy to avoid.

2)  Timings matters:

“The best timing is like a swooped of the falcon that attacks time and kills its Victim.”

Sun Tzu concludes in the Art of war quotes that when deciding to fight the enemy, it is necessary to be highly cautious. While it’s essential to have a good idea in mind, a plan is just as successful as it will be. Strong scheduling ensures you don’t hurry in either without the circumstances being optimal, even though you do not fail to perform at the right time.

That was the core of combat that Sun Tzu learned. In real life, too, it must be executed immediately after a decision is made. For example, in the Chinese tech industry, startups tend to emphasize the speed of deployment and versatility in an organization to stay floating. Although China is a big market that funds several startups, it is considered a “winner” economy and will possibly be the first successful startup to dominate the industry.

3)  Know Yourself:

“If you want to know your enemy, then first, you should know yourself.”

Although this famous Art of war quote sounds frightening, its meaning in the business world is quite profound. This is common knowledge that differentiating your business approach is necessary for making a difference. The Sun’s “military calculus” needed to see commanders capable of adding his unique viewpoint to keep the enemy from expecting it.

Likewise, the lack of distinction could lead to a loss of income for both firms if businesses perform the same analysis as their competitors, as each would compete in the same business areas. In life’s efforts, it is necessary to do the planning, but you must plan in a way that is more comprehensive or more creative than anybody else if you want to succeed.

The art of war quotes told us that, if you know yourself but don’t know your enemy, then you will lose one battle and win one contest. But if you don’t remember both; yourself and your enemy, then you never be able to win a fight. Knowing yourself means understanding your weaknesses and overcoming your weaknesses.  

If you do not know your weaknesses, you won’t be able to defeat them, and the enemy will attack your weak parts that will not be bare-able. The success is based on the depth research.

4)  Hide your Plans:

“You should look comfortable in the case when you cannot do anything, and you should look mysterious when there everything is fine. In this way, you can write the end of your enemy according to your choice.”

Art of war quotes told us that making a specific plan is not enough and that a project must be hidden by deceit, too. Ideally, such an army should be in a continuous motion to appear formless. In the corporate world, deceit is normal too. Large corporate monopolies may always take measures to look smaller. In contrast, small companies may claim to be transforming the world through the novelty of their creativity,

even though they may not yet be at that level. If you are going to start your own company in which you are currently working, then you should show your colleagues that you are dependent on your job. Art of war quotes also teaches us that your company is in the struggling stage unless and until your company reaches a point where you can hire them for your company. 

Sun Tzu believes that having a Unique plan is not enough; disguise the plan is essential as well. Taking an example of the military that if the General was thinking of attack on the left side, then the General should show that and confuses his enemy that he is going to attack the right.

If you are going to start your own company in which you are currently working, then you should show your colleagues that you are dependent on your job. Sun Tzu in his The art of war quotes, also teaches us that your company is in the struggling stage unless and until your company reaches a point where you can hire them for your company. 

6 Find a way not to fight:

“The art of war is to defeat your enemies without fighting with them.”

Sun Tzu told that if you want to defeat your enemy then find a way that you do not need to fight. Defeat them through diplomacy or find other means. War is not suitable for the whole county, and there are more disadvantages of war more than advantages.

Sun Tzu believes that man has more than one weapon at his fingertips for any case, which often necessitates traditionally fighting the enemy. The idea of being resourceful applies far more to real life than to military war because it is not a zero-sum game, and in general, there can be several winners.

7 Change Opportunities:

“There’s hope in the face of uncertainty.”

art of war quotes, Sun Tzu said that it is a very important part of the war that decides the result of the warfare. In reality, the result of the warfare cannot be predictable; there anything could occur at any time. Therefore the General of the Military is always prepared for the worst scenarios, and this is not the mean that we didn’t win the fight. But we should have to take the risks.

In any industry, change is inevitable, and the best way to plan for change is to be the driving force behind the transition. Being aware of new legislation or rules, emerging technology, social trends, and shifts in the consumers’ budget can expose opportunities that need to be exploited for companies to succeed.

Sun Tzu told that if you want to defeat your enemy then find a way that you do not need to fight. Defeat them through diplomacy or find other means. In the art of war quotes, we concluded that the war is not suitable for the whole county, and there are more disadvantages of war more than advantages. Defeat enemies not by direct attack or competition but by differentiation.

In our personal lives, we can apply it in such a way that does not wait for the opportunities but make our own opportunities. Do not compete with others but create your different skills. Make yourself such skillful that the companies will seek you, then you need to find the companies. 

8 Prolonged Warfare:

“There is no cause of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.”

The draining consequences of a prolonged war can be attested by Uber and Didi, as both firms burned through billions of dollars when competing with each other. Sun Tzu advises striking quickly and swiftly is best, making confrontation conclusive. You don’t want to waste your resources in the business world by fighting a competitor when you can invest them in your future growth. You don’t want to wait forever in your personal life to solve your issues and will take steps towards your goals as soon as possible.

The most crucial point that Art of war quotes seeks to make is undoubted that intelligence counts and a learned judgment are better than an intestinal choice. Sun Tzu claimed commanders would be specialists in the “political analysis” of taking into account anything and all that could influence the result of a battle. It is not only important to gain an understanding of what the adversary might be planning to do to take advantage of their vulnerabilities and to recognize the associated strengths and weaknesses;

but considerations such as location, atmosphere, and troop morale do need to be considered. Current developments in the use of broad data demonstrate how critical in-depth analysis is for businesses’ sustainability and growth. Awareness of your colleagues can be essential to connect with them during business negotiations properly.

Art of War Sun Tzu Quotes:

There are not so many references to generals like Sun Tzu who managed to win wars strategically without even fighting. In the accompanying set of Art of war quotes, we have picked some of his most insightful observations to help you have a lot of time.

• There’s always hope in the midst of chaos.
• Excellence is to break your enemies’ strength without fighting.
• If your mind is willing to do something, then your body will move forward without anything.
• The best sword will rust when putting in saltwater.

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