209+ Sun Tzu Quotes [Strategy, Leadership, Battle, War Quotes]

Sun Tzu was a Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher who lived in the Eastern Zhou period.

His book, “The Art of War,” is considered one of the most influential works on military strategy and tactics ever written.

Here are some characteristics of Sun Tzu quotes related to strategy, leadership, battle, and war:

Simplicity: Sun Tzu’s quotes are concise and to the point. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity and clarity in strategy and decision-making.
Flexibility: Sun Tzu stresses the need for flexibility and adaptability in warfare. He encourages the use of unexpected tactics and the ability to adjust to changing circumstances.
Deception: Sun Tzu emphasizes the use of deception and misdirection in warfare. He advocates for the use of spies and other covert methods to gain an advantage over the enemy.
Planning: Sun Tzu stresses the importance of careful planning and preparation before engaging in battle. He encourages the use of intelligence gathering, analysis, and strategic thinking.
Leadership: Sun Tzu’s quotes highlight the importance of strong leadership in warfare. He stresses the need for leaders to be knowledgeable, decisive, and skilled in both strategy and tactics.
Morale: Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of maintaining high morale among troops. He advocates for the use of rewards and punishments to motivate soldiers and the importance of strong communication between leaders and their troops.

Overall, Sun Tzu’s quotes emphasize the importance of strategic thinking, adaptability, and strong leadership in achieving success in battle and warfare.

We’ve got over 100 Sun Tzu quotes to share across a variety of categories.

Let’s take a look 🙂

Table of Contents

Sun Tzu Quotes

Sun Tzu Quotes:

“All warfare is based on deception.”
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”
“The art of war is of vital importance to the State.”
“The wise warrior avoids the battle.”
“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
“The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought.”
“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”
“In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.”
“The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.”
“When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.”
“The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.”
“He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.”
“When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.”
“To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.”
“If you wait by the river long enough, the bodies of your enemies will float by.”
“If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near.”
“The greatest victory is when the enemy surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities… It is best to win without fighting.”
“All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”
“If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.”
“The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.”
“He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious.”
“A leader leads by example, not by force.”
“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.”
“There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.”
“The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.”
“Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.”

“The skillful 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.”
“The wise warrior avoids the battle.”
“If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
“The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought.”
“To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.”
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”
“Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy’s unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.”
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
“In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.”
“The art of war is to know when to retreat.”
“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.”
“When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.”
“The wise warrior avoids the battle.”
“All warfare is based on deception.”
“The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.”
“A wise general makes a point of foraging on the enemy. One cartload of the enemy’s provisions is equivalent to twenty of one’s own.”
“The greatest victory is when the enemy surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities… It is best to win without fighting.”
“He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.”
“When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.”
“One mark of a great soldier is that he fights on his own terms or fights not at all.”
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt.”

Best Quotes from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War

Best Quotes from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War:

“All warfare is based on deception.”
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”
“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”
“The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin.”
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”
“The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.”
“In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.”
“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”
“Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.”
“To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.”
“If you wait by the river long enough, the bodies of your enemies will float by.”
“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.”
“If you want to conquer the enemy, you must first conquer yourself.”
“There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.”
“Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.”
“Supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.”
“One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.”
“The wise warrior avoids the battle.”

Sun Tzu Quotes – Lessons from The Art of War (Powerful Warrior Quotes)

Battle Quotes (from Sun Tzu and Others)

Battle Quotes (from Sun Tzu and Others):

“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.” – Sun Tzu
“No battle plan survives contact with the enemy.” – Helmuth von Moltke the Elder
“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.” – Jose Narosky
“All warfare is based on deception.” – Sun Tzu
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.” – Sun Tzu
“War does not determine who is right – only who is left.” – Bertrand Russell
“It is well that war is so terrible – otherwise, we would grow too fond of it.” – Robert E. Lee
“A bad peace is better than a good war.” – Proverb
“War is not an adventure. It is a disease. It is like typhus.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” – Sun Tzu

Inspirational & Motivational War Quotes (from Sun Tzu and Others)

Inspirational & Motivational War Quotes (from Sun Tzu and Others):

“In the face of adversity, we have a choice. We can be bitter, or we can be better. Those words are not just a catchphrase, but a way of life.” – Jill Biden
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Sun Tzu – Know Your Enemy Quotes (from Sun Tzu and Others)

Sun Tzu – Know Your Enemy Quotes:

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” – Sun Tzu
“Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.” – Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II
“One ought to be aware of the enemy’s snares, and under no circumstances let him catch him.” – Niccolò Machiavelli
“Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster.” – Wu-Tang Clan
“When you know your enemy, and you know yourself, victory is assured.” – Bill Pullman in Independence Day
“The best way to defeat an enemy is to make him a friend.” – Abraham Lincoln
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” – Arabic proverb
“He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious.” – Sun Tzu
“The enemy is anybody who’s going to stop you from achieving your goals, and the best way to defeat them is to outsmart them.” – John C. Maxwell
“Know your enemy as you know yourself, and you need not fear the outcome of a hundred battles.” – Miyamoto Musashi

Sun Tzu War Quotes

Sun Tzu War Quotes:

“All warfare is based on deception.” – Sun Tzu
“Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.” – Sun Tzu
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” – Sun Tzu
“The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin.” – Sun Tzu
“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” – Sun Tzu
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” – Sun Tzu
“He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.” – Sun Tzu
“The wise warrior avoids the battle.” – Sun Tzu
“In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.” – Sun Tzu
“There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.” – Sun Tzu

Funny Sun Tzu Quotes

Funny Sun Tzu Quotes:

“All warfare is based on deception, except when you’re playing chess with your grandpa.”
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles…unless the enemy is a spider.”
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting, but good luck trying that with your mother-in-law.”
“In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak…unless the strong thing is a bottle of tequila and the weak thing is your willpower.”
“When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move…or just order pizza and call it a night.”
“There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare, unless you’re a weapons manufacturer or an arms dealer.”
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized, unless you’re seizing someone else’s slice of pizza.”
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle, but a close second is the victory that comes with a double espresso.”
“All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, except for my ex-girlfriend who still thinks I’m a terrible listener.”
“The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities, unless it’s your cat, who will never surrender no matter what.”

Sun Tzu Deception Quotes

Sun Tzu Deception Quotes:

“All warfare is based on deception.”
“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
“Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”
“When able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”
“All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”
“When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.”
“All warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when capable, feign incapacity; when active, inactivity.”
“Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.”
“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.”
“If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them.”

Sun Tzu Leadership Quotes

Sun Tzu Leadership Quotes:

“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.”
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt.”
“If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them.”
“In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.”
“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.”
“The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin.”
“Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.”
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”
“The wise warrior avoids the battle.”

Sun Tzu Quotes on Strategy

Sun Tzu Quotes on Strategy:

“All warfare is based on deception.”
“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.”
“He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.”
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”
“The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.”
“The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.”
“Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.”
“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”

Battlefield Quotes (from Sun Tzu and Others)

Battlefield Quotes (from Sun Tzu and Others):

“All warfare is based on deception.” – Sun Tzu
“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.” – Jose Narosky
“The best armor is to keep out of range.” – Italian proverb
“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 and then seek to win.” – Sun Tzu
“In war, there is no substitute for victory.” – Douglas MacArthur
“Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
“All battles are won before they are fought.” – Sun Tzu
“Amateurs talk tactics, but professionals study logistics.” – Gen. Robert H. Barrow
“The most important thing in war is to secure your own supply lines.” – Adolf Hitler

Fake Sun Tzu Quotes

Fake Sun Tzu Quotes:

“Winning is not the goal, but a byproduct of achieving your goals.” – Fake Sun Tzu
“It is better to fight and lose than never to fight at all.” – Fake Sun Tzu
“The best way to win a battle is to show up on time.” – Fake Sun Tzu
“Always remember, the greatest enemy lies within.” – Fake Sun Tzu
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend, but the enemy of my friend is also my enemy.” – Fake Sun Tzu
“If you want peace, prepare for war.” – Fake Sun Tzu (this quote is often misattributed to Sun Tzu, but it is actually a Latin proverb)
“The greatest weapon in war is love.” – Fake Sun Tzu
“To win the battle, you must first win the hearts of your enemies.” – Fake Sun Tzu
“The best way to defeat your enemy is to make them your ally.” – Fake Sun Tzu
“The key to victory is not in fighting every battle, but in choosing the right battles to fight.” – Fake Sun Tzu

FAQs – Sun Tzu Quotes

What are some famous Sun Tzu quotes?

Here are 20+ famous quotes from Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”:

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
“All warfare is based on deception.”
“Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.”
“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”
“In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.”
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”
“When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.”
“The wise warrior avoids the battle.”
“The skillful 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.”
“One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.”
“The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.”
“The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought.”
“To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.”
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
“He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.”
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”
“The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.”
“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
“Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.”
“A leader leads by example, not by force.”
“One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all.”
“Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.”
“When you are strong, appear weak.”

These are just a few of the many insightful and timeless quotes from Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War.”

What were Sun Tzu’s best quotes, sayings, and advice on strategy, leadership, and battle?

Famous Sun Tzu Quotes on Strategy, Leadership, and Battle:

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
“All warfare is based on deception.”
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”
“The wise warrior avoids the battle.”
“The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.”
“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
“In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.”

What were Sun Tzu’s best quotes, sayings, and advice on flexibility, simplicity, planning, and morale?

Famous Sun Tzu Quotes on Flexibility, Simplicity, Planning, and Morale:

“The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.”
“The wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water molds itself to the pitcher.”
“He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.”
“One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.”
“The skillful 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.”
“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.”
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
“To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.”
“The supreme excellence is not to win a hundred victories in a hundred battles. The supreme excellence is to subdue the armies of your enemies without even having to fight them.”
“When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.”

What is the meaning of the quotes “If you kill your enemies, they win”?

The quote “If you kill your enemies, they win” means that resorting to violence and killing your enemies can actually have a negative impact on you, even if you succeed in defeating them.

The act of killing your enemies can lead to long-lasting consequences, such as revenge or retaliation from their family or friends.

In a broader sense, this quote suggests that the use of violence to resolve conflicts is not always the most effective or desirable approach.

By killing your enemies, you may end up perpetuating a cycle of violence and hostility that can be difficult to break.

Instead, it may be more beneficial to seek peaceful solutions and find ways to reconcile and coexist with your opponents, even if you have fundamental differences or disagreements.

Overall, this quote highlights the importance of considering the long-term consequences of our actions and finding ways to resolve conflicts that do not involve violence or the destruction of our enemies.

What is some biographical info on Sun Tzu?

Sun Tzu was a Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher who lived during the Eastern Zhou period of ancient China, roughly between the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. Not much is known about his life, and many details about his biography are subject to debate and speculation.

According to tradition, Sun Tzu was born in the state of Qi and served as a general in the Wu state during the Spring and Autumn period. He is best known for his military treatise, “The Art of War,” which is considered one of the most influential works on strategy and tactics ever written.

Sun Tzu’s exact dates of birth and death are unknown, and the details of his life are shrouded in legend and mythology. Some accounts claim that he was a descendent of the royal family of Wu, while others suggest that he was a commoner who rose to prominence through his military skills and strategic acumen.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding his life, Sun Tzu’s legacy continues to influence military and political leaders around the world, and his writings are studied in business schools and universities as a guide to strategic thinking and leadership.