The Art of War Quotes

“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”

“It is easy to love your friend, but sometimes the hardest lesson to learn is to love your enemy.”

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”

“Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment — that which they cannot anticipate.”

“There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.”

“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”

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

“Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.”

“If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless.”

“There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.”

“Bravery without forethought, causes a man to fight blindly and desperately like a mad bull. Such an opponent, must not be encountered with brute force, but may be lured into an ambush and slain.”

“One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.”

“Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.”

“The wise warrior avoids the battle.”

“Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.”

“If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.”

“Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.”

“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”

“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.”

“Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain.”

“Thus the expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.”

“Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.”

“The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.”

“When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.”

“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. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.”

“Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.”