Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu

24 quotes

Sun Tzu is a Chinese general whose words have traveled far beyond their original audience. With equal ease, Sun Tzu moved between War and Men, finding connections others missed. 29 of Sun Tzu's sharpest quotes live here, spanning themes of War, Men, Good, Death, and Art. One quote that captures their voice: "The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting."

“Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.”

— Sun Tzu

Death

All Quotes by Sun Tzu

“In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact to shatter and destroy it is not so good.”

— Sun Tzu

Art

“Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.”

— Sun Tzu

Death

“There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.”

— Sun Tzu

War

“Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge.”

— Sun Tzu

Men

“All war is deception.”

— Sun Tzu

War

“Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.”

— Sun Tzu

Death

“The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.”

— Sun Tzu

Good

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

— Sun Tzu

Art

“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.”

— Sun Tzu

Money

“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

Good

“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 afterwards looks for victory.”

— Sun Tzu

War

“Secret operations are essential in war upon them the army relies to make its every move.”

— Sun Tzu

War

“Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.”

— Sun Tzu

War

“There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited.”

— Sun Tzu

War

“Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?”

— Sun Tzu

Imagination

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

— Sun Tzu

War

“It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results.”

— Sun Tzu

Great

“All war is based on deception.”

— Sun Tzu

War

“The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.”

— Sun Tzu

Men

“The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution.”

— Sun Tzu

Good