Top 15 Sun Tzu Quotes

6th century BCE Chinese general and military strategist

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Sun Tzu (孫子 Sūn Zǐ; c. 6th century BC) was a Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher who lived in the Eastern Zhou period of ancient China. Sun Tzu is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, a widely influential work of military strategy that has affected both Western and East Asian philosophy and military thinking. He is also known as Sun Wu (孫武; Sūn Wǔ), and Chang Qing (長卿; Cháng Qīng).

From: Wikiquote (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Native Name: 孫子

Alternative Names: Sun Wu • Suentzyy • Suen Tzyy

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The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.

When strong, avoid them. If of high morale, depress them. Seem humble to fill them with conceit. If at ease, exhaust them. If united, separate them. Attack their weaknesses. Emerge to their surprise.

What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.

One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.

Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.

One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all.

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.

He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.

You have to believe in yourself.

If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things.

Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.

Thus the expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.

There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.

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.