Art Of War Quotations

Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.

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.

To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.

God is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and that share of glory which belongs to us.

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

War makes thieves and peace hangs them.

I have much to teach you. Come and learn the art of war from the one who invented it. (Takeshi)

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.

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.

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.

If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.

The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few.

If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle

At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.

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.

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.

There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.

The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat: - let such a one be dismissed!

One who has few must prepare against the enemy; one who has many makes the enemy prepare against him.

One defends when his strength is inadequate, he attacks when it is abundant.

The Art of War is self-explanatory

Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.

In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.

In warfare, there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent will succeed and win.

To a surrounded enemy, you must leave a way of escape.

Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength.

Fierce language and pretentious advances are signs that the enemy is about to retreat.

Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.

Until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared

He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.

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.

Be where your enemy is not.

Management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization.

Rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him

Know thy self, know thy enemy.

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost

Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.

Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the spirit of enterprise, for the result is waste of time and general stagnation.

The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands

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.

Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain

To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.

Know yourself and you will win all battles.

The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.