Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military strategist, is widely known for his book “The Art of War”. This influential text has been studied and applied by military leaders, business executives, and even sports coaches for centuries. However, with the rise of the internet and the spread of misinformation, there has been a surge in fake quotes attributed to Sun Tzu. These fake quotes often circulate on social media and are mistakenly believed to be his original teachings. In this article, we will debunk some of the most popular Sun Tzu fake quotes and provide you with the accurate wisdom from the real Sun Tzu.
It is important to distinguish between authentic quotes from Sun Tzu and the fabricated ones. While some of the fake quotes may sound profound and insightful, they can lead to misinterpretation and misapplication of his teachings. By understanding the true principles of “The Art of War,” we can gain a deeper appreciation for Sun Tzu’s wisdom and apply it more effectively in various aspects of our lives.
In the following section, we will present a compilation of Sun Tzu fake quotes that have been widely shared on the internet. It is crucial to approach these quotes with skepticism and always verify the authenticity before attributing them to Sun Tzu.
Read these Sun Tzu fake quotes:
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
“To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.”
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”
“All warfare is based on deception.”
“The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities.”
“If you wait by the river long enough, the bodies of your enemies will float by.”
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
“The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, his only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign.”
“When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.”
“The wise warrior avoids the battle.”
“The greatest warriors are the ones who excel at winning without fighting.”
“To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.”
“If you know both yourself and your enemy, you can win numerous battles without jeopardy.”
“All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”
“The victorious warrior wins first and then seeks battle, while the defeated warrior first battles and then seeks victory.”
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
“The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities.”
“When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.”
“The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin.”
Remember, these quotes are not from the real Sun Tzu and should not be treated as his authentic teachings. It is always recommended to refer to the original text of “The Art of War” for genuine insights into the strategies and principles of warfare.
By avoiding the spread of fake quotes, we can ensure that Sun Tzu’s wisdom continues to be understood and applied accurately.







