Summary in 100 words or less
Victory comes from knowing both the enemy and yourself—without this, defeat is inevitable. The best battles are won before they begin by breaking resistance without fighting. Deception is key: appear weak when strong, distant when near, and disorganized when disciplined. Strength lies in adaptability—never repeat past tactics but adjust to circumstances. True power comes from securing an unassailable position, not hoping the enemy won’t attack. Lead with firm discipline and strategy, not emotion or ego. Move only when there’s an advantage, strike where the enemy is weakest, and always act with speed, secrecy, and purpose.
→ Join weekly newsletter to receive timeless insights every Monday
Commentary
My Highlights
He who relies solely on warlike measures shall be exterminated; he who relies solely on peaceful measures shall perish.
All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem 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.
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 the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline, simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.
You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.
Avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.
The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.
There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general:
- Recklessness, which leads to destruction
- Cowardice, which leads to capture
- A hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults
- A delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame
- Over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble
Too frequent rewards signify that the enemy is at the end of his resources; too many punishments betray a condition of dire distress.
Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy’s unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.
Carefully study the well-being of your men, and do not overtax them. Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength. Keep your army continually on the move, and devise unfathomable plans.
Confront your soldiers with the deed itself; never let them know your design. When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.
Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.
Spies are a most important element in war, because on them depends an army’s ability to move.
