The quotable series will contain quotes from different historical figures, movies and other interesting sources.
Sun Tzu is arguably the greatest war leader and strategist who ever lived. His philosophy on leadership and conflict management has been used for centuries not only in wars but also in modern life.
Through his masterpiece, The Art of War, Sun Tzu imparted important military strategies that extend beyond war and into fields such as management, business, politics, and sports.
Sun Tzu lived during the Age of Warring States, a tumultuous time of great conflict between seven states that fought for ascendancy and control of China. It was during this time that the states sought men with knowledge on leadership and strategy to help them gain the upper hand in war.
One of the seven warring states was ruled by King He-Lu of Wu. Among his army of mercenary soldiers was a young Sun Tzu, who showed strong interest in military tactics.
His intelligence and unconventional strategies related to ambush and espionage set him apart from other soldiers. Soon enough, Sun Tzu saw himself propelled to one of the highest positions in the military.
One of the most popular stories about Sun Tzu happened when King He-Lu learned about the promising general and put him to the test. The King wanted to learn about Sun Tzu’s war techniques and asked the latter to demonstrate his abilities before hiring him to be his war strategist.
Legend has it that the King conducted a mock military drill where Sun Tzu was tasked to command and train an army. But instead of soldiers, the army was composed of almost 200 royal concubines and maids who were witnessing the drill.
Sun Tzu divided the troops into two, both led by the King’s favorite consorts. Upon giving them a command, the women burst into laughter and amusement. Such reaction earned the general’s wrath and ordered the two women to be executed immediately.
Fearing the loss of his favorite consorts from a mock drill, King He-Lu pleaded that the general spare their lives. However, Sun Tzu remained firm and emphasized that success in the battlefield depends on the absolute obedience of the troops.
The two women were publicly beheaded – a strong message to the Wu military that disobedience is intolerable and has no place in the army. Despite losing his beloved consorts, King He-Lu appointed Sun Tzu as the Commander-in-Chief of his kingdom.
As the brain of the army, Sun Tzu formulated his own theories and strategies about warfare. He went on to lead King He-Lu’s kingdom to many victories against more powerful states.
Sun Tzu spent the better part of his life on countless battlefields. His experience and observations helped him devise and execute war strategies perfectly. After retiring from active service, he served as a military adviser to King He-Lu and his successor.
Later on, when wars between kingdoms dwindled down, Sun Tzu passed on his wisdom through a manuscript called “The Art of War”. It deals with the philosophy and psychology of war: strategies that would injure the morale of the enemy while building the confidence of one’s own army. It also discusses the ideal qualities of a ruler, military commander, and soldier in the face of battle that are vital to achieving success.
“The Art of War” has shaped military thinkers over the past two millenniums. It is believed that the Samurai of ancient Japan honored the teachings of the book and used it to push for the unification of Japan.
Beyond war, Sun Tzu’s principles prove to be effective in the world of management, business, politics, and even sports. Like in warfare, these fields thrive in competition. It is a battle of wills.
It is a contest where success depends on the effective and efficient use of resources. It is all about the element of surprise, deception, movements, maneuvers, and gaining an advantage over the opponent.
Sun Tzu is believed to have died in 496 BCE. His lifework changed the rules of warfare and continues to impact the modern world.
Below you will find a collection of inspirational and wise Sun Tzu quotes:
1. “Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”
2. “Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?”
3. “If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles.”
4. “Keep your friends close, your enemies even closer.”
5. “You have to believe in yourself.”
6. “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
7. “Let your plans be dark and as impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
8. “If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near.”
9. “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”
10. “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
11. 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.”
12. “Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems."
13. “Do not engage an enemy more powerful than you. And if it is unavoidable and you do have to engage, then make sure you engage it on your terms, not on your enemy’s terms.”
14. “If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things.”
15. “All war is deception.”
16. “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”
17. “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”
18. “It is more important to out-think your enemy, than to outfight him”
19. “The skillful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.”
20. “Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.”
You will be looking for a small camouflaged container. No need to cross any fence. Watch out for stray zombies. Please let me know if the cache needs attention, and as always, be careful and have fun!