"In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power."

Sun Tzu Literature See all quotes by Sun Tzu →

React to this quote

More by Sun Tzu

“It seems to me that The Art of War codifies the principles of kung fu, the martial arts: to co-operate with the enemy, to prevent all-out war when possible. I remember reading a lot of pages devoted to fighting with fire, and burning down cities. Devotion to tactics rather than ethics. I have a figurine of Gwan Goong, god of war and literature, reading a book. That book is The Art of War.”

“Sun Tzu’s success teaches us that a successful general is one who fully calculates his approach and plans to fight in a battle. However, the average reader is not able to identify Sun Tzu’s teachings on a deeper or philosophical level. This is my reason for writing and exegeses on the Art of War.”

“Fear is the true enemy, the only enemy.”

“In peace, prepare for war. In war, prepare for peace.”

“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”

“The true objective of war is peace.”

Resonant Thoughts

"Under central planning neither planners, managers, nor workers had incentives to promote the social economic interest. Nor did impeding markets for final goods to the planning system enfranchise consu…"

— Robin Hahnel

Economics1946

#politics

"The great secret of power is never to will to do more than you can accomplish. The great secret of action and victory is to be capable of living your life without ideals. Such is the sum of the whole …"

— Henrik Ibsen

Entertainment

#life

"Whether or not Trump himself or anyone in his orbit personally colluded or conspired with the Russians about their interference is something Mueller will no doubt disclose at some point, but there rem…"

— Charles M. Blow

Journalism1970

#truth

"By new style I meant mainly technical aspects. It is impossible to experience things from an entirely new angle through will-power; it has to mature in solitude."

— Otto Mueller

Art1874–1930

#power