Sun Tzu
Military Strategist
"The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself."
Art Of War quotes
Art Of War
41 quotes on this topic — from poets, philosophers, and thinkers across history.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Political Philosopher, Historian
"It ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new. This coolness arises partly from fear of the opponents, who have the laws on their side, and partly from the incredulity of men, who do not readily believe in new things until they have had a long experience of them."
Sun Tzu
Military Strategist
"He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily."
Sun Tzu
Military Strategist
"Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength."
Sun Tzu
Military Strategist
"Management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization."
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Art Of War quotes (page 1 of 3)
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"A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise."
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"Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great."
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"The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men."
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"Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions."
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"If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is tempermental, 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."
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"God is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and that share of glory which belongs to us."
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"Rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him"
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"Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat."
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"In warfare, there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent will succeed and win."
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"One defends when his strength is inadequate, he attacks when it is abundant."
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"He who wishes to fight must first count the cost"
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"The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands"
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"War makes thieves and peace hangs them."
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"Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain"
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"If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle"
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"If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in."
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"Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will."
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"Know thy self, know thy enemy."
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"You can ensure the success of your attacks if you only attack places that are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked. Therefore, that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack."
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"Men never do good unless necessity drives them to it; but when they are free to choose and can do just as they please, confusion and disorder become rampant."
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