Sun Tzu was a Chinese general, military strategist, writer, and philosopher who lived in ancient China. His birth name was Sun Wu. The name Sun Tzu, by which he is commonly known as, is an honorific, meaning Master Sun. He is most notably known for having written The Art of War, an influential work of military strategy.
The exact time and place of his birth is still a mystery although most historians believe that Sun Tzu lived in an era called ‘The Spring and Autumn Period of China,’ dated between 770BC and 476BC. Sun Tzu, historians assume, was born in the city called Qi, in Wu state of ancient China. Sun Tzu is believed to have been an ordinary soldier in the army of King He Lu of Wu. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, has influenced warfare strategies throughout history. It is believed to be one of the earliest forms of psychological warfare. It still continues to be an influential piece of work in modern warfare, politics, sports and business.
1 If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. -Sun Tzu
You need to have a thorough knowledge of your own abilities and those of your opponents if you wish to win in any battle. Only the one with the most knowledge about the other will be able to outsmart the other.
2 He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. -Sun Tzu
There’s a time to fight and a time to lay low. Only one who can recognize the perfect opportunity to do either can win any battle.
3 The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. -Sun Tzu
There’s always an easier way through any ordeal. You do not always have to face your opponent head on. There’s always a better route that you can take. The ability to recognize that opportunity is what makes you superior.
4 Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win. -Sun Tzu
Victory always comes to the one who has done the most preparation beforehand. The result of any battle is pre-determined by the factor of how much preparation you have done.
5 All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved. -Sun Tzu
Your on ground tactics that you employ are visible to everyone. But the strategy that you’ve made beforehand is what ensures your victory, and that is known only to you.
6 Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance. -Sun Tzu
Arrogance makes you blind and vulnerable. To subdue an opponent, act weak and inferior, and wait for him to let down his guard. And that is when you should strike.
7 He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious. -Sun Tzu
Only one who knows the extent of his own abilities can win any battle. You should know when to fight and when not to. If you are ignorant of your own abilities, defeat is inevitable.
8 Balk the enemy’s power; force him to reveal himself. -Sun Tzu
Only if you know your enemy inside out can you defeat him. Make him falter and reveal his strengths and weaknesses. Once you’ve had a grasp of his abilities, you can easily defeat him.
9 Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys. -Sun Tzu
A true leader should see his followers as his family. For only if you have gained their confidence will they follow you.
10 Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness, be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. -Sun Tzu
Defeat will inevitably befall the loud and boastful. Be silent of your plans and strategies. Employ them without the knowledge of your enemy and you are sure to win the battle.
11 Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy’s strategy. -Sun Tzu
It is the strategy that leads one to victory. If you want to emerge victorious, you need to identify and attack your opponent’s strategy before they can proceed with it.
12 He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces. -Sun Tzu
Only one who can make the most of what he has can win any battle. You should know how to work around any obstacle with the resources you already have and not sit there wishing for better.
13 Keep your friends close, your enemies even closer. –Sun Tzu
You need your friends, so keep them close. But it is your enemy that you need to keep an eye on, so keep them closer. Watch their moves and see through their plans.
14 In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity. –Sun Tzu
No matter how bad things seem to be, there’s always opportunity hiding behind that you can make use of. Learn to recognize opportunities hidden even in the darkest of times.
15 If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things. -Sun Tzu
If you are determined to do something, there’s nothing that can stop you. It’s your willpower and not your physical abilities that matter. Your body will concede if your mind wills it.
15 Most Clever Quotes by Sun Tzu on Winning Wars
1. If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. -Sun Tzu
2. He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. -Sun Tzu
3. The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. -Sun Tzu
4. Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win. -Sun Tzu
5. All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved. -Sun Tzu
6. Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance. -Sun Tzu
7. He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious. -Sun Tzu
8. Balk the enemy’s power; force him to reveal himself. -Sun Tzu
9. Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys. -Sun Tzu
10. Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness, be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. -Sun Tzu
11. Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy’s strategy. -Sun Tzu
12. He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces. -Sun Tzu
13. Keep your friends close, your enemies even closer. –Sun Tzu
14. In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity. –Sun Tzu
15. If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things. -Sun Tzu
