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Quotes from Ancient Times

Sun Tzu c 400-430 bc, Chinese Military Strategist, Author of "Art of War"

When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.


If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles.


Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.


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


Victory usually goes to the army who has better trained officers and men.


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


Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack.


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


Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.


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


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


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


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


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

All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.


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


If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things.


Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.


When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.


Memorable Quotes

You have to believe in yourself.

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

Quickness is the essence of the war.

Know yourself and you will win all battles.

He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.

Opportunities multiply as they are seized.

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

Even the finest sword plunged into salt water will eventually rust.

Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.

Insightful Quotes cards

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

To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.

Supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.

Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?

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

If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.
Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
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.
O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands.
The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.
Therefore the skilful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.

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