SunTzu Quotes

A collection of quotes by SunTzu.

Sun Tzu, also known as Sun Tzi or Sunzi, was a Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher who lived in the 5th century BCE. He is believed to be the author of the renowned military treatise, "The Art of War," which has had a significant influence on military warfare and strategy around the world. Little is known about Sun Tzu's personal life, and some scholars debate his existence as a historical figure. Nevertheless, his writings and teachings have left a lasting impact on military theory and tactics.

If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not b

If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.

Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does

Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Ta

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.

The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in h

The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.

Therefore the skilful leader subdues the enemy's troops with

Therefore the skilful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.

Winning Winners

Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not suprem

Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a fa

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.

When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is

When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.

O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn t

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.

The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats

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.