Art Of War Quotes

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

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.

He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily.

Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength.

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

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

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

The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost

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

War makes thieves and peace hangs them.

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

Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain

We do not know what is on the other side of the storm.

Know thy self, know thy enemy.

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

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

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.

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.

Until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared

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

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

Be where your enemy is not.

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.

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.

The Art of War is self-explanatory

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