Sun Tzu Sayings and Quotes

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old Sun Tzu quotes, Sun Tzu sayings, and Sun Tzu proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources.'

Quickness is the essence of the war. Sun Tzu
To win without fighting is best. Sun Tzu
Act after having made assessments. The one who first knows the measure of far and near wins - this is the rule of armed struggle. Sun Tzu
Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems. Sun Tzu
Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one cannot make certain of the truth of their reports. Sun Tzu
On the field of battle, the spoken word does not carry far enough; hence the institution of gongs and drums... banners and flags. Gongs and drums, banners and flags, are means whereby the ears and eyes of the host may be focused on one particular point. Sun Tzu
The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to proctect his country country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom. Sun Tzu
What is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy’s strategy. Sun Tzu
Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain. Sun Tzu
Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected. Sun Tzu
Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack. Sun Tzu
The principle on which to manage an army is to set up one standard of courage which all must reach. Sun Tzu
A warrior who is prepared to fight must also be prepared to die. Sun Tzu
You can prevent your opponent from defeating you through defense, but you cannot defeat him without taking the offensive. Sun Tzu
The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. Sun Tzu
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first then seek to win. Sun-tzu
Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible; and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands. Sun Tzu
Opportunities multiply as they are seized. Sun Tzu
Know the enemy, know yourself; your victory will never be endangered. Know the ground, know the weather; your victory will then be total. Sun Tzu
In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity. Sun-tzu
The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim. Sun Tzu
Engage people with what they expect, it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment that which they cannot anticipate. Sun Tzu
Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak. Sun Tzu
When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce. Sun Tzu
Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate. Sun Tzu
The business of a general is to kick away the ladder behind soldiers when they have climbed up a height. Sun Tzu
What discourages opponents from coming is the prospect of harm. Sun Tzu
The height of strategy, is to attack your opponent's strategy. Sun Tzu
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