Sun Tzu Quotes
Sun Tzu was a Chinese strategist of the late Spring and Autumn period, traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, the earliest and most influential treatise on military strategy in the world's literature. The work treats warfare as an extension of political life and develops a philosophy of action centered on the rational assessment of conditions, the management of information, the indirect approach, and the goal of victory without battle. The quotes below are attributed to Sun Tzu, organized by topic.
Sun Tzu on Knowledge
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Attributed to Sun Tzu:
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”
Sun Tzu on Politics
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Attributed to Sun Tzu:
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
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Attributed to Sun Tzu:
“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”
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Attributed to Sun Tzu:
“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory; tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.”
Sun Tzu on Time
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Attributed to Sun Tzu:
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”
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Attributed to Sun Tzu:
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
Sun Tzu on Truth
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Attributed to Sun Tzu:
“All warfare is based on deception.”