Skip to content

Art of war Quote by Sun Tzu

“He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.” quote by Sun Tzu — Download Open image

“He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.”

About This Quote

Source Book: The Art of War, 5th century BC

Success in conflict depends on having resources and autonomy, not on the ruler's meddling.

In simple terms: Power and independence win wars.

Key Takeaway

Secure resources and stay independent.

Themes

strategy power autonomy

Mood

determined strategic

Type

advice historical

When to use this quote

military planning
political negotiations
leadership decisions
conflict resolution

Key Concepts

military logistics political interference

Questions to Reflect On

How do you protect autonomy in hierarchical structures?
When is external guidance beneficial?

A Different Perspective

If the sovereign is supportive, autonomy may be less critical.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3.0 out of 5 (8 ratings)

Art of war Capacity Interfered Sovereign Military Military Capacity Sovereign Stratagem Strategist Unprepared War War strategy Win Military Winning

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

More Art of war quotes

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

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

There is nothing as likely to succeed as what the enemy believes you cannot attempt.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Image

That prince is highly esteemed who conveys this impression of himself, and he who is highly esteemed is not easily conspired against; for, provided…

Niccolo Machiavelli

Image

I believe that it is possible for one to praise, without concern, any man after he is dead since every reason and supervision for…

Niccolo Machiavelli

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

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

Image

“In the art of war, if you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the approaching battles. But if you know…

Image

They [spies] cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.

Image

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

Image

Do not press an enemy at bay.

Image

Browse all 404 Art of war quotes