Skip to content

Quote by Sun Tzu

“Again the girls assented. The words of command having been thus explained, he set up the halberds and battle-axes in order to begin the drill. Then, to the sound of drums, he gave the order “Right turn.” But the girls only burst out laughing. Sun Tzu said: “If words of command are not clear and…” quote by Sun Tzu — Download Open image

““Again the girls assented. The words of command having been thus explained, he set up the halberds and battle-axes in order to begin the drill. Then, to the sound of drums, he gave the order “Right turn.” But the girls only burst out laughing. Sun Tzu said: “If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame.””

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2.1 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Sun Tzu

It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack…

Image

It is according to the shapes that I lay the plans for victory, but the multitude does not comprehend this. Although everyone can see…

Image

Go into emptiness, strike voids, bypass what he defends hit him where he does not expect you.

Image

“In a similar way, The Art of War pinpoints anger and greed as fundamental causes of defeat.”

Image

“The PEOPLE being regarded as the essential part of the State, and FOOD as the people's heaven, is it not right that those in…

Image

Therefore the good fighter will be terrible in his onset, and prompt in his decision.

Image

The enemy's spies who have come to spy on us must be sought out, tempted with bribes, led away and comfortably housed. Thus they…

Image

“So long as victory can be attained, stupid haste is preferable to clever dilatoriness.”

Image

“You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.”

Image

“Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make…

Image

If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely…

Image

“The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes…

Image

Explore all 685 Sun Tzu quotes