Quotes and Quotations

Memorable Quotes and quotations from Sun-tzu

Sun-tzu Chinese general & military strategist (~400 BC)


Sun-tzu -
- Appraise war in terms of the fundamental factors. The first of these factors is moral influence.

Sun-tzu -
- A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.

Sun-tzu -
- War is based on deception.

Sun-tzu -
- If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

Sun-tzu -
- If you are near the enemy, make him believe you are far from him.
If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near.

Sun-tzu -
- The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities...It is best to win without fighting.

Sun-tzu -
- All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him.

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 -
- Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.